Mgbara Community Women March Against AfDB Project, Insist on Inclusive Talks

In a bold display of solidarity, hundreds of women from the Mgbara Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the proposed African Development Bank (AfDB) office complex project. The women, who were protesting in Mmahu-Egbema, the local government headquarters, claimed that the acquisition of community land for the project was not transparent and did not involve the community in the decision-making process. They alleged that a small group of individuals had taken control of the negotiations, excluding the broader community from the discussions. The immediate past Youth President of the community, Mr. Modrich Ajunwa, spoke on behalf of the women, stating that the community was united in their opposition to the project due to the lack of open and inclusive consultations. According to Ajunwa, 'The people of Mgbara Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria, are protesting today to formally communicate our strong objection to, and rejection of, any proposed project or development initiative associated with the AfDB within our community, where the project has not received the genuine and collective acceptance of the people.' The women emphasized that they were not against development, but they wanted to ensure that any project was done in a way that respected the community's rights, culture, and collective interests. Ajunwa added that the project had already caused tension and division within the community, and that proceeding with it could lead to further conflict. He urged the AfDB to suspend the project until the concerns of the wider community had been addressed through an open and inclusive consultation process. The women's protest was a call to action, demanding that the AfDB take their concerns seriously and engage in meaningful dialogue with the community before proceeding with the project.