Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

5.3.2 Ethnicity, Language and Religion
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are Bini (also referred to interchangeably
as Edo), Afemai, Esan, Owan and Akoko Edo. There are numerous ethnic
groups under what is known as Edo-speaking people of Nigeria. These
include the Bini, Esan, Etsako, Owan, Isoko, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Akoko-Edo,
Aniocha, Ouru, Izone and Ika.
Although Edo State is the home of several ethnic groups, it is considered one
of the most homogeneous states in Nigeria, as many of the communities in the
state trace their roots to the ancient kingdom of Benin, which was centred on
present-day Benin City. As a result, customs, burial rites, diet and traditional
modes of dress tend to be similar throughout the state. Non-indigenous
peoples living in the Project area include Urobos, Ishan, Ora, Efik, Ijaws,
Hausas, Ibos and Yorubas, as well as a small number of Ghanaians and
Togolese.
The major languages spoken in the state are Ebira, Edo, Esan and Okpamheri,
with dialects varying according to distance from the city (Edo State
Government, 2011).
Traditional religion is widely practiced in the study area. Observance
includes visiting and presenting sacrifices to sacred sites in and around the
communities (see Section 5.7.6). Christianity and Islam are also widely
practiced, often alongside traditional religious practices. There are no reports
of tension between religious groups in the Project area.
5.3.3 Community Migration Status and Patterns
Historical migration into the area is assumed to be minimal. From the
qualitative data gathered, including responses from community stakeholders,
it was found that majority of the residents are native to this area. This is
consistent with the responses of informants that they are Bini people and the
general comments from FGDs stating that inhabitants are nearly all from the
local area rather than being migrants from other parts of Nigeria.
However, as previously mentioned, during the FGDs a recurrent statement
was made concerning the out-migration of the youth. Repeatedly, informants
complained that the lack of employment opportunities in the area has resulted
in their sons and daughters moving out of the area in search of jobs.
5.3.4 Vulnerable or Marginalised Groups
Vulnerable groups includes people who, by virtue of gender, ethnicity, age,
physical or mental disability, economic disadvantage or social status may be
more adversely affected by a project than others, and who may be limited in
their ability to take advantage of a project’s development benefits.
Vulnerable groups within the Project affected communities were found to be
women, children, migrant farmers, disabled people and the elderly. These
AZURA EDO IPP
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DRAFT EIA REPORT