The Ibaji Progressive Youth Foundation (IPYF) has raised the alarm over what it described as the continued neglect of oil-producing host communities in Ibaji Local Government Area by the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADEC).
In a petition dated December 29, 2025, and addressed to the commission’s chairman, the group lamented the absence of visible developmental projects in Ibaji, despite the regular release of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to Kogi State through the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC).
Lending his voice to the matter the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRH (Dr) Odiche John Egwemi indicated that the the foundation came up with the petition following a stakeholders’ meeting held on December 26, 2025, in Onyedega, the headquarters of Ibaji LGA.
According to the Ruler, the meeting brought together community leaders, youths and other interest groups who questioned KOSOPADEC’s silence in the area.
Continuing, IPYF recalled that the commission was created to fast-track development in oil-producing communities, citing Section 14(a)(i)(ii)(c) of the KOSOPADEC Law of 2023, which mandates it to administer 50 per cent of the state’s 13 per cent derivation fund for the rehabilitation and development of host communities.
Describing the situation in Ibaji as unacceptable, the group warned that continued neglect could worsen underdevelopment and fuel growing frustration among residents.
The foundation therefore urged the KOSOPADEC leadership to act without delay by initiating and executing tangible projects in Ibaji communities, in line with its statutory mandate and the expectations of the people.
Ibaji Youths Decry Neglect as KOSOPADEC Projects Absent in Host Communities
