“We Chose Anambra Over Personal Wealth”
By Our Staff Reporter
Today, Anambra State earns an estimated N1.8 billion to N2.7 billion monthly from oil derivation revenue.
But according to Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, the journey to securing the state’s oil-producing status was marked by sacrifice, danger, legal battles, and the rejection of lucrative inducements.
Speaking on what he described as “representation that profits the people rather than personal gains,” the 2027 APC House of Representatives candidate for Ogbaru Federal Constituency recounted the untold story behind Anambra’s emergence as an oil-producing state.
The Secret Oil Exploration Nobody Wanted to Discuss
Awogu revealed that while serving as Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters in 2016, he became curious about reports of oil exploration deep inside Ogbaru forests.
According to him, very few people were willing to openly discuss the operations, largely due to inadequate information and an ongoing land dispute involving communities from Anambra and Imo States.
The Land Dispute That Delayed Recognition
He explained that the oil-rich Ani-Ufu land became the subject of a prolonged legal battle between Umuonwuka kindred of Oleke Village, Oguta, Imo State, and Umunzarabia kindred of Umungasi Village, Ogwu-Aniocha, Anambra State.
While Umunzarabia claimed ownership of the land, Umuonwuka allegedly engaged directly with the oil company, leading to years of litigation that eventually reached the Supreme Court.
Into the Mangrove: The Dangerous Expedition
Determined to uncover the truth, Awogu said he led a 21-man team into the Osomari Forest Reserve in March 2016.
The mission, he recalled, involved eleven motorcycles traversing treacherous swamp terrain. Only five motorcycles eventually reached the oilfield after a grueling three-hour journey through thorny and waterlogged pathways.
“There were about 35 caravans, drilling rigs, helicopters, expatriates and military personnel securing a massive operation covering nearly five football fields,” he recounted.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
Awogu said he was stunned to discover a thriving oil production facility operating within Ogbaru territory while officially denying any presence in Anambra State.
According to him, the company had effectively classified parts of Ogwu-Aniocha as belonging to Imo State and sections of Ogwu-Ikpele as Delta State.
The Head of Personnel Management of the company reportedly informed him that he was the first representative of the Anambra State Government to visit the site and assert ownership claims.
Taking the Fight to Government House
Following the expedition, Awogu submitted a detailed report to Governor Willie Obiano and urged immediate intervention.
His findings led to the establishment of a legal support structure for Umunzarabia kindred as the ownership case progressed through the courts.
He also engaged with key stakeholders, including the late Dr. Emma Egbogah, to accelerate efforts toward securing recognition for Anambra as an oil-producing state.
The Owerri Meeting and the Alleged Temptation
Perhaps the most dramatic revelation in his account was an invitation by the oil company to a private meeting in Owerri.
According to Awogu, company officials acknowledged that crude oil had been transported from the Ameshi oil fields in Ogwu-Aniocha since 2013 and allegedly offered incentives aimed at softening his position.
“They made it clear there were ways to accommodate people like me who had become critical stakeholders,” he said.
However, he maintained that accepting personal benefits would have deprived Ogbaru and Anambra State of much greater long-term gains.
Why We Rejected the Money
Awogu argued that obtaining oil-producing status promised far-reaching benefits beyond personal enrichment.
He listed expected gains to include:
13% oil derivation revenue
NDDC projects and interventions
Road and bridge construction
Schools and hospitals
Scholarships and bursaries
Community development projects
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives
Electricity and potable water projects
“The benefits for our people far outweighed any gratification offered by the oil company,” he stated.
Six Years of Resistance
From 2016 to 2022, Awogu said stakeholders remained steadfast despite repeated attempts at compromise.
Their demand remained simple: official acknowledgment that oil production was taking place on Anambra soil.
That recognition eventually became a critical factor in Anambra’s admission into the league of oil-producing states.
The Unsung Hero Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Awogu paid emotional tribute to the late traditional ruler of Ogwu-Aniocha, HRH Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji.
According to him, the monarch was murdered during the struggle and his body has never been recovered.
“Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji is the hero of the oil-producing status we are enjoying today. He laid down his life for it,” Awogu declared.
Acknowledging the Team Behind the Success
He also praised former Governor Willie Obiano and members of the now-defunct Anambra State Oil and Gas Development Committee (ASOGDC) for their contributions.
Among those mentioned were Dr. Frank Edozie, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Dr. Emman Ude Akpeh, Prof. Theresa Nkechi Obiekezie, Dr. Paul Nwosu, Barr. Patricia Igwebuike and Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo.
114 Oil Wells and Counting
Awogu disclosed that Ogbaru presently hosts more than 114 oil wells.
He stated that 93 capped wells were discovered during exploration activities conducted by China’s SINOPEC after crossing from Okpai in Delta State into Ogbaru.
He further revealed that:
25 wells are located within Umunzarabia land.
27 wells are within Umuezeosai territory.
41 others are spread across Ofia-Ogwu and surrounding areas.
More Revenue on the Horizon
According to Awogu, Anambra recently reclaimed ten additional oil wells previously credited to Delta State following a verification exercise by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The development, he noted, is expected to significantly increase the state’s oil revenue profile.
A Call for Representation That Serves the People
Drawing lessons from the struggle, Awogu stressed that genuine representation must prioritize the welfare of citizens rather than personal enrichment.
“Any representation that is not geared toward the ultimate good of the people should not exist,” he declared.
While lamenting that many oil-bearing communities in Ogbaru have yet to experience the full benefits of the 13% derivation fund, he expressed optimism that future administrations would ensure visible development across the area.
“The Journey Was Worth It”
For Awogu, the battle to secure Anambra’s oil-producing status was more than a political achievement.
It was, he said, a demonstration of courage, integrity, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the people.
And today, as billions flow into Anambra’s coffers from oil derivation, he insists the greatest reward remains knowing that public interest triumphed over private gain.
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