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

Figure 5.7
Traditional Leadership Structure Orior-Osemwende
5.4.3 Community-based Organisations and Other Local Institutions
Community groups are an important source of social capital in Nigeria,
providing social, livelihood, financial and religious support. Most
communities in the country typically have a variety of associations, including
livelihood-based groups, savings groups, religious groups, and other
community-based organisations that play an important role in the
management of the community. Most groups have open membership, and
people may belong to more than one group; however, others have restricted
participation, such as the Elders Forums and Traditional Cultural Groups.
Within the communities of the Project area, religious groups were most
commonly reported by residents. Women and youth groups were also
frequently cited. Relatively few residents belong to informal work exchange
groups, which are more common in areas that have a higher proportion of
farmers and food processors. Informal savings and credit groups also have a
relatively low level of patronage in the communities; this may be due to the
high numbers of people who are employed outside the community, in places
such as Benin City, and who may belong to other associations and groups.
5.4.4 Social Conflict
The survey team has found that there is some tension between the
communities at the moment, though the historical origins of the tension are
unclear. All available information from the social survey regarding the social
tension in the communities is included in the chapter. Furthermore previous
knowledge of the historical tension of the communities is included here. It
would appear that recent tension between the communities started with the
government naming the NIPP power station after Ihovbor-Evboeka
community alone. In addition, according to one of the local leaders, the
people felt ‘cheated’, and will not be willing to tolerate land take for a project
again without adequate compensation. Another stakeholder noted that
AZURA EDO IPP
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DRAFT EIA REPORT