“Outrage in Urhobo Land As UNAN’S ‘200 Baskets of Rice’ Christmas Gift Sparks Hunger Debate and Community Backlash “
By Passman Akpos
Delta State — What was meant to be a modest act of charity has exploded into a full-blown public debate, exposing the raw hunger, frustration, and internal divisions within Urhobo land.
This December, the Urhobo National Advancement Network (UNAN) announced it would distribute 200 baskets of rice—just 20 baskets per Local Government Area—to “the least financially fortunate” across 10 Urhobo LGAs.
But instead of applause, the announcement has triggered a tidal wave of outrage, ridicule, and soul-searching.
ONE BASKET PER PERSON? “HAS URHOBO LAND BECOME THIS BAD?” — CITIZENS LAMENT
Under the plan, each selected community gets 20 recipients, each to receive one basket of rice already bagged. Communities listed so far include:
Otogor (Ughelli North)
Urhumarho (Uvwie)
Okpara-Inland (Ethiope East)
Egigie (Udu)
Odion Urhobo (Warri South)
Erhuwaren (Ughelli South)
Edjenesa/Ajavwini (Ethiope West)
Sapele Okpe (Sapele)
Umuaghwa-Ugolo (Okpe)
Patani (Patani)
But the announcement quickly opened a floodgate of accusations, complaints, and community lobbying.
Residents from Aragba-Orogun, Arhagba-Okpe, Oviri-Okpe, Emadadja, Ewu-Urhobo, Aphorigbala, Oluta, Umolo-Olomu, Ogbe-Udu, and many more stormed the comment space, demanding inclusion after decades of alleged neglect.
One frustrated Ughelli North resident wrote:“We never benefit anything because we nor get any top person. I pray it reach us this time.”
Another commenter bluntly asked:“200 baskets of rice for 10 LGAs? How did we get here?”
CRITICS ACCUSE UNAN OF ‘PEANUT PHILANTHROPY’, MOCK THE COST OF FUEL VS COST OF RICE
What truly ignited the fire was the math—200 baskets of rice spread across 10 LGAs holding hundreds of communities.
One enraged Urhobo youth wrote:
> “If dem share that your rice for some streets, a grain no go reach many people. Has Urhobo land become this bad?”
Another commenter mercilessly mocked the logistics:
> “Oga carry the rice go one community give them. Fuel money for your convoy pass the entire rice you wan share.”
Some went as far as questioning the motive:
> “Is this philanthropy or early campaign rice? One basket per person? End-of-year saraka?”
Others dismissed the gesture entirely:
> “If you don’t have the money to do philanthropist work, sit down for your house. Stop making noise on social media.”
“URHOBO IS SUFFERING” — CITIZENS EXPOSE DEEP-ROOTED PAIN AND POLITICAL NEGLECT
Beyond the jokes and insults, painful truths surfaced.
A visibly angry commenter lamented the decay in the region:
> “We have oil and gas passing through our land but Urhobo people are suffering. Go to Ijaw land—every unborn child gets allocation. Urhobo people must stop this wickedness.”
Another questioned the state of the ethnic nation:
> “Is Urhobo land now a war zone that people celebrate a basket of rice like salvation?”
Some commenters fear the gesture symbolizes a collapsing centre, where ethnic groups must fend for themselves:
> “The country is falling apart. Everyone is running to defend their ethnic group. The centre has failed.”
OTHERS DEFEND THE INITIATIVE: ‘SMALL BUT TIMELY’
Not everyone joined the outrage.
Some residents praised Comrade Onoriode Umukoro of UNAN for attempting what many leaders refuse to do.
One supporter said:
> “It seems small, but it will go a long way for many people back home. God bless you.”
Another added:
> “Thank you Boss for including Egigie community. This is the first time something like this is reaching us.”
THE FINAL QUESTION: ‘200 BASKETS OR 200 SACKS?’
As tension escalated, some citizens demanded clarification:
“Is it 200 baskets or 200 bags of rice?”
Others asked why only one community per LGA was chosen, and why some kingdoms like Ancient Olomu and Agbarho were conspicuously missing.
The confusion deepened the suspicion and controversy surrounding the initiative.
A REGION ON EDGE, A PEOPLE IN PAIN
What should have been a simple Christmas giveaway has become a mirror reflecting:
the deep poverty in Urhobo communities,
the bitterness toward leadership failures,
the frustration of neglected communities,
and the fierce competition for even the smallest resources.
As December approaches, UNAN’s rice-sharing project has achieved something larger than charity—it has ignited a fierce conversation about the dignity, hunger, and political marginalisation of Urhobo people.
Whether the organisation adjusts its plan or proceeds as announced, one thing is clear:Urhobo land is tired, hungry, vocal, and ready to confront its uncomfortable truths.
