VICE PRESIDENT MEETS WITH LEADERS OF OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES

Acting President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised to make oil producing communities hub of the petrochemical industry. 

Prof. Osinbanjo was speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Benin City in continuation of his fact finding visit to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta. 

Professor Yemi Osinbajo and Edo State Governor at the Town Hall Meeting

Spokespersons for various oil producing communities of Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East and Orhiomwom in their speeches made demands on completion of Benin Abraka Road, Sapele, Benin Auchi, Okene road and other federal highways that link Edo to other parts of the country, establishment of a seaport and export processing zone in gele gele, and finding a lasting solution to the  myriad of infrastructural challenges in oil producing communities. 

 

Edo NDDC Commissioner, Saturday Idehen and Chairman EDSOGPADEC, Mr. Vincent Uwadiae 

Cross-section of participants from oil producing communities in Edo State

Other speakers from the Pan Niger Delta Forum, non-governmental organisations and other groups also made case for engagement of operators of modular refineries in the oil and gas sector and for a sustainable environmental protection programme.

However, the meeting was temporarily disrupted following Protest by some ex-Niger Delta agitators who demand to make contributions. 

Participants

Addressing issues raised by various speakers, acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo assured that the visit is one of steps by the Buhari administration to ensure development of oil producing communities in Edo and the Niger Delta. 

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said his government has mandated EDSOGPADEC to develop a master plan for the development of the 38 oil producing communities with a view of identifying and addressing their challenges. 

There were goodwill messages by the Minister for state petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu his counterpart from the Ministry of Niger Delta Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and Edo State Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu.

Before leaving the venue the acting President Prof Osinbajo assured of another visit to Edo State for an on the spot assessment of the 38 Oil producing communities in Areas in the state.

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU