Report on community assessment at Aighobahi Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State as presented by Yali Network Edo
The community assessment focused on three key areas- Health, Education and Economic Status of the community as well as feasibility for the success of the research camp.
Brief history of the community
Aighobahi community was founded in 1935 by Aighobahi Eze Osifo a great hunter, farmer and philanthropist. He was said to have fought and killed a Chimpanzee with his bare hands and name the place “Ogosa”.
The community is said to have the largest flooded rain forest in West Africa and the presence of white monkeys and elephants. It is also the direct hosting community to Okomu.
Education system of community
The Community has no primary or secondary school. Children walk up to 5 miles to school at Udo community as it is the closest available school to the community. Children get to school by trekking, bike, and sometimes free lift from mobile individuals.
Recently, a young man started teaching some children in an abandoned building.Plans were put in place three years ago to build a primary school. Unfortunately, the plans were interrupted by the Iyase of the Udo Community (secondary to the choice of the site). This plan is now a forgotten one as no one talks about it.
Health system of community
The community has no Primary Health Center (PHC). Sick and injured community members access medical service @ UBTH extension, Udo Community and Ureze PHC (4 miles away). We also noticed the presence of some patent medicine dealers shops in the community.
Water source
The community has one community borehole sank last year by Okomu as a community development service to the community after series of appeals in writings.
Before this, four years ago the community has only one borehole owned by a private individual where a gallon goes for between N20 – N30 per gallon.
Economic status
From the survey, the population of the community mainly comprises youths and middle-aged persons (40 -55 years). Activities engaged in for livelihood is mainly farming.
Agricultural produce
The community has an abundance of Pineapple. Other produce is food crops such as cassava and corn. Presently the community have to transport their produce with vehicles and bikes for sales at Udo market.
Security
On security issues, police and military personnel from Okomu patrol the community even though for some time now the community vigilante group is out of duty (secondary to a backlog of remuneration).
There is also complaint about the diversion of resources by the Udo Community which has led to the poor growth and development of the community.
David Agbaso
for ~Research Camp Committee.
