Akassa and the Future development efforts

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 The mouth of the River Niger, where the Nun estuary empties into the Atlantic Ocean, a tropical paradise is blighted by poverty and conflict.  Anywhere else in the world, this idyllic sand barrier island would be a magnet to the leisure industry – golden beaches, pristine mangrove swamps and tropical rain-forests combine to create the perfect eco-tourist destination.

Sadly, the people of the Akassa Clan do not reap the benefits of the tourist dollar but suffer the poverty and conflict so often associated with the petro-dollar.  Akassa’s 19 communities and 120 temporary fishing ports house 180,000 people, the majority of whom are fishermen living under siege conditions.
This is not a new experience for the Akassa people – they have always considered themselves to be exploited and victims of oppression.  It began with the slave traders who built a slave fort in Akassa to house their quarry; this was replaced by the colonialists who exploited their natural resources and has now been replaced by the oil industry who preach the bible of energy security, and their militant opponents who are fighting for a share of the profits.

Many of these remote communities have not felt the impact of the windfall revenues since the discovery of oil more than 40 years ago.  Africa’s largest oil producer, and the world’s number seven exporter of oil, has so far failed to provide the basic infrastructure and services expected of such a wealthy country.

But the Akassa people are used to looking after themselves.  They were there before the oil was discovered and will remain long after the last drop has been shipped off to feed western consumerism.

Despite all  difficulties, we continue to work for our future.  Of course we pray for peace but we have to live in today’s world.  We, in our small way, hope to provide a light for others to follow in these dark times in the Niger Delta.

One day, Akassa will welcome eco-tourists who shall enjoy our beautiful land.  In the meantime, we shall act as guardians protecting it for posterity.

Tomorrow is a new day.


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