22/09/2025
The Reality of Akoko-Edo Local Government
I am proudly from Atte community, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
Akoko-Edo is historically known as one of the biggest and oldest local governments in Nigeria. In fact, when you search “Nigeria Local Governments,” Akoko-Edo often comes up first. Even on online forms, when it gets to the column where you select your local government, Akoko-Edo appears before others.
But while we may be first on paper, when it comes to development, Akoko-Edo sadly comes last. And when the subject is backwardness or self-centered leadership, Akoko-Edo is unfortunately among the first to be mentioned.
One of our greatest challenges is language barrier. Akoko-Edo is a land of many tongues so diverse that sometimes we cannot even understand one another. This deep division has eaten into our unity and progress.
Yet, in the midst of this, Akoko-Edo is blessed with abundant mineral resources. Still, nothing tangible is happening to show for it. The natural wealth remains untapped while the people continue to struggle.
This brings me to a question: Why were some communities even merged into Akoko-Edo? Communities like Atte, Ikpeshi, Ewan, and others, despite their unique strengths, are stuck in a structure that seems to stifle development rather than promote it.
Through my personal study and research, it is clear that local governments with diverse languages often suffer slower growth and Akoko-Edo is a living example of this painful reality.
Kerobo I Promise
Publisher of News Source360 Magazine Ltd