The Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) in Delta State has unveiled an ambitious development plan aimed at reviving the long-abandoned Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) and transforming the social, economic, and environmental landscape of the community within one year.
At the official launch of the Ugborodo Community Development Plan (UCDP), themed “Rebuilding Ugborodo with Vision, Unity, and Purpose”, UCMC Secretary Eyengho Besidone outlined the leadership’s roadmap to restore unity, transparency, and progress after years of internal conflict and stagnation. He said the committee would focus on delivering sustainable projects and rebuilding trust in community governance.
In the first two months, UCMC will establish a functional secretariat, create working subcommittees, and roll out various communication tools including a website, WhatsApp groups, and quarterly townhall meetings to foster openness and community engagement.
A major goal of the plan is the reactivation of the GRIP project, originally planned to be Nigeria’s leading gas-based industrial hub but left dormant. UCMC is calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other investors to recommit to the project, viewing it as a cornerstone for economic revival.
The committee also aims to work closely with government agencies, host community development trusts (HCDTs), and international oil companies (IOCs) to upgrade infrastructure. Priorities include expanding the Ode-Ugborodo access road, constructing 10 kilometers of rural roads, and building two modern jetties. Educational improvements are also planned, including school renovations, distribution of learning materials, and teacher incentives.
Healthcare will be strengthened by upgrading health posts into full primary health centers, deploying mobile clinics to riverine areas, and training 20 local health volunteers.
Addressing unemployment, UCMC has introduced a N50 million Women Multipurpose Cooperative to support 500 female entrepreneurs. Vocational bootcamps will provide training in welding, ICT, marine mechanics, tailoring, and fish processing. The committee also plans to launch an international market hub and revive local contractor and artisan registries to ensure engagement with major oil companies such as Chevron, SPDC, SEPLAT, and others.
The Ugborodo leadership says it is determined to turn around the fortunes of the community by promoting development through inclusive governance, strategic partnerships, and targeted investments.
