IT’S ten years since the late civilian governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, inaugurated the intervention agency – Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC – to alleviate poverty in the oil-rich communities of the state. From all indications, the agency has brought succour to the hitherto neglected communities.

Ogale is an oil-rich community in Eleme, the Local Government Area of Rivers State where oil was first discovered in the country. Ogale people are mainly farmers but oil spillage due to pipeline vandalism, especially the one that occurred in 2009, and the attendant water pollution, has robbed them of their source of livelihood.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said his government will partner the Federal Government to fight against trafficking in persons and child labour.

Agbor in Delta State came alive recently when the human rights community stormed the town to educate the people on their fundamental and inalienable rights. Led by Nollywood star, Ramsounoa and Executive Director, Social and Economic Rights Action Center, SERAC, Mr. Felix Muoka, the rally was part of activities to commemorate the International Human Rights Day which is celebrated every December , 10.

Madam Akpan Sarah is a 62 year-old widow who hails from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State. She worked as a nanny with a Lebanese couple until 2008 when she retired. She had planned to use her savings of N400,000 to set up a small-scale business in the city. Arrangements to start the business were in top gear when Madam Sarah suddenly took ill and has since then, been in and out of the hospital.