Okerewa is a town in Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria. It comprises four major communities: Mgbimbgii, Aarah, Eteeh, and Ngo-Osaroego, traditionally believed to have been founded by four brothers. The town is predominantly inhabited by the Eleme people, and its current traditional ruler is Chief Amb. Eteeh Osaro Elechi.
History
The history of Okerewa traces back to the founding by four brothers who established its major communities. In the 1970s, farmlands were acquired by the Nigerian government for the construction of Eleme Petrochemicals in exchange for a 7.5% share of dividends to host communities. The company was later acquired by Indorama Corporation in 2006. Disputes over dividend management led to internal conflicts and legal action from 2012 to 2018. These were resolved in 2019 with the formation of the Okerewa Community Development Initiative (OCDI), currently led by Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya, to manage community dividends and development.
Geography
Located within the Niger Delta region, Okerewa faces both the benefits and challenges of its oil-rich environment. In 2024, following an oil spill, the Rivers State Assembly ordered Shell to commence cleanup operations. The incident raised environmental concerns and scrutiny of oil companies’ responsibility in the region. Cleanup efforts are under official supervision to ensure environmental standards are met.
Economy
Traditionally agrarian, Okerewa’s economy has diversified due to efforts by the OCDI and the Okerewa Community Peaceful Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. The Okerewa Smart Farm, an integrated agricultural project, now provides modern farming and training. The cooperative supports local businesses through: - Microloans - POS and thrift services - Equipment rentals - Real estate and agriculture investments - Third-party project financing
The community partners with national organizations like the PIND Foundation to access development funds.
Government and Administration
Okerewa follows a traditional governance system headed by the Paramount Ruler, Chief Amb. Eteeh Osaro Elechi, supported by the Council of Chiefs and Elders. Until the 1990s, leadership was held by the eldest male indigene. Recognition by the Eleme traditional institution led to administrative restructuring.
The OCDI, created in 2019, manages community affairs and the 7.5% dividends from Indorama. In 2017, Chairman Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya led a protest against Indorama citing issues with dividend distribution, highlighting persistent concerns over resource equity and corporate responsibility.
Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure improvements have taken place: - A 10-year road construction agreement with Chanita Construction Company - Street lighting - A community health center - Development of the Okerewa Digital Smart Farm, built in partnership with CAD Consulting Limited, offering livestock and crop farming units and agricultural training.
Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals has contributed through social responsibility efforts in education, health, and infrastructure under an MoU with host communities.
Education
The OCDI has implemented several educational initiatives: - Local and foreign scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students - Vocational training in ICT, welding, and agriculture - Capacity building to support the Okerewa Digital Smart Farm
These programs aim to empower the youth and boost local participation in modern agricultural ventures.
See Also
- Eleme Local Government Area
- Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals
- Niger Delta Environmental Issues