Oil & Gas: Ekpeye Monarch, Stakeholders Harps On Unity Amidst Exploration Challenges
By Our Correspondent – Major Stakeholders, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Amb. Kelvin Anugwo JP, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, and other indigenes of Ekpeye Kingdom, at the weekend emphasized the need for unity among the people to address the challenges facing the ethnic nationality.
In his opening remark, during a sensitization programme tagged: ” Proper Utilization of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Host Communites Trust Fund and the Contribution of the Pipeline Surveillance in the Reduction of Insecurity in Ekpeye Land” organised by Ekpeye Oil & Gas in Ahoada town, Eze Anugwo attributed the problems plaguing Ekpeye to internal divisions and selfish interests.
Represented by HRH Roland Ebaledhi, Chief of Staff to His Imperial Majesty, Eze Anugwo, state that “We are the problem of our problems,” he said, urging Ekpeye people to put aside differences and forge a common front.
He lamented that despite years of oil exploration, Ekpeye has little to show for it, citing poor infrastructure and environmental degradation.
He commended the efforts of Comrade Dogini, Chairman of Ekpeye Oil and Gas, Tantita Security Services Limited, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for their role in reducing crime and creating jobs for the teeming unemployed indigenes.
The Monarch called on Ekpeye leaders to ensure that oil-related jobs and opportunities benefit local communities, rather than outsiders. “We have thousands of our youths, graduates unemployed roaming the streets,” he said, urging stakeholders to prioritize Ekpeye people’s interests.
He appealed to Ekpeye people to support initiatives promoting unity and development, and offered the Eze Ekpeye Logbo’s assistance in addressing challenges facing oil exploration activities in the region.
In his welcome remarks, the National Chairman of Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipeline Host Families Association (EOG), Comrade Chidi Dogini expressed gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Eze Amb. Kelvin Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, for his encouragement and support for the vision of Ekpeye Oil and Gas.
Dogini noted that the sensitization programme on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is timely, as it aims to correct misconceptions and ensure Ekpeye communities benefit maximally from the Act.
He commended Tantita Security Services Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for engaging over 1,000 youths in surveillance jobs, reducing unemployment by 70% and highlighting the link between unemployment and insecurity.
Dogini lamented that despite Ekpeye’s significant role in oil and gas production, with 8 oil licenses, over 10 pipelines, and 2 delivery lines, the community has not benefited adequately from these resources.
He thanked the federal government for creating a conducive environment for oil activities and called for increased participation of Ekpeye sons and daughters in the oil business and appointment into NDDC board.
In a lecture on the role of communities in the and ending insecurity, the Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Augustine Bello called on the people of Ekpeye Kingdom to present a united front in order to have a meaningful say in the oil industry.
Bello cautioned youths against sabotaging oil and gas facilities warning that such actions could lead to environmental destruction, emphasizing the importance of community unity in effectively engaging with the oil industry and promoting sustainable development.
