Imo Women Protest Proposed AfDB Project in Ohaji/Egbema Community

Hundreds of women from Mgbara Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have protested against a proposed African Development Bank (AfDB) project in their community.

The women took to the streets on Tuesday carrying placards and chanting songs to express their opposition to the proposed development.

The protesters said they were not against development but insisted that any project involving their land and resources must be based on genuine consultation and broad acceptance by the community.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the immediate past Youth President of Mgbara Egbema, Modrich Ajunwa, said the demonstration had the backing of the wider community.

Ajunwa said the community was formally notifying the AfDB of its objection to the proposed project and urged the development bank to suspend further engagement or implementation until the concerns of residents had been addressed.

He called for an open, transparent and inclusive consultation process involving the wider community.

According to him, the bank should not rely solely on representations from individual political leaders, traditional authorities or community representatives without evidence that they have obtained broad consent from the people.

He argued that decisions affecting the community’s land, heritage and future should not be taken by a small group of individuals behind closed doors.

The community representative stressed that the protesters welcomed genuine development but wanted projects to respect their land, rights, culture and livelihoods.

He noted that many residents depend on farming and expressed concern that acquiring community land for the proposed project could affect their means of livelihood.

“When they take the land, they take our means of livelihood, and so must deal with members of the community directly,” Ajunwa said.

He maintained that no development project should be imposed on a community or advanced through individuals whose positions did not reflect the wishes of the majority.

The protesters also expressed concern that the proposed AfDB project had already generated disagreements and tension within Mgbara Egbema.

Ajunwa warned that proceeding without resolving the concerns could deepen divisions and undermine peace in the community.

He urged the AfDB to engage directly with residents and ensure that any eventual project was based on meaningful consultation and demonstrable community acceptance.

According to him, the community’s position was intended to prevent further conflict and ensure that development did not become a source of division.

“We remain committed to peace and lawful dialogue but we will continue to stand firmly for the protection of our community, our ancestral heritage and the collective interests of our people,” he said.

He also appealed to the authorities and other stakeholders to address the dispute peacefully, warning that unresolved tensions could lead to confrontations among community members.

The protesters urged the AfDB to take their demonstration as a formal expression of opposition and to engage the wider community before taking further steps on the proposed project.