There are is growing tension among the three communities in Anambra and Enugu states over the ownership of the 10 kilometers Agricultural Development Authorities Rice Farm ( ADA).
The rice farm which was established by the then Premier of the defunct Eastern Region Late Micheal Okpara and was said to have been managed by the former governor of old Anambra state Chief Jim Nwobodo is currently under dispute between Omasi community in Ayamelum local government area of Anambra state, Igga and Adani communities in Enugu state.
According to the President General of Onasi community Mr Fred Chukwu the level of skirmishes in the three communities is becoming worrisome noting that if not checked may snowball into a full scale communal crisis.
Chukwu urged the Federal government to carry out on time a clear boundary delineation before human lives would be involved.
He said the estate established during the defunct Eastern Regional government by Dr Michael Okpara and sustained by the old Anambra State under former Governor Jim Nwobodo.
According to Chukwu, “following the creation of now Anambra in 1991, Omasi Community which owns 6, 200 kilometers of the land now is in Anambra, while Igga and Adani are in Uzouwani area of Enugu”.
He noted that due to state creation, the locals from the two states no longer see themselves as one, a situation that has adversely affected agricultural activities in the area.
“Omasi Community under my watch as PG has established more than 2, 000 Farmers Co-operative Societies for: rice, vegetables, tomatoes, cassava and pepper on a sustainable agribusiness ventures.
“But our predicament as we speak bothers on poor access road and unprovoked attacks in addition to others issues,” he said.
Chukwu who stressed the urgent need for access road to ADA Rice Estate said, with road to the estate, a lot of agricultural activities would blossom in the area.
The community leader also spoke on the activities of Cottonwooden Gas Refinery, Omasi, saying that his Community and the Chinese firm are working closely.
“We are expecting the formal inauguration of the refinery anytime before December ending this year, but so far, both Omasi and company are relating well”, he said.
Chukwu said to guided unnecessary issues between youths of Omasi and the firm, that he held orientation programmes to enlighten the youths that the refinery would not employ everyone.
“I felt it was important to let our youths have this at the back of their minds because poor understanding of the operations of multi-nationals companies has resulted to a lot problems especially in the Niger Delta Region.”
