The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to the development of host communities in the country.
Sylva made this known at the seventh Anniversary and Lectures/Niger Delta Award 2022 of the Gbaramatu Voice in Abuja.
The Minister, who was represented by the acting Permanent Secretary, Engr Kamarou Busari, said the Ministry places high premium to the host communities as enablers of the commonwealth.
He said the recently passed Petroleum Industry Act has dedicated was dedicated to the development of host communities which creates a forum to support their development, foster sustainable prosperity and provision of direct social and economic benefits from petroleum resources.
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He said it also enhances harmonious coexistence between communities and operating companies.
The Chairman of the event, and Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, called for a generational shift in governance.
Represented by his his running mate, Yusuf Salisu, he said it was unfortunate that despite being the largest oil producer of the continent, Nigeria was yet to convincingly diversify the economy.
“There has to be a generational shift in governance. We cannot continue with the same process of reflecting the same people year in year and expecting something different at the end of the day. The time is now for us to sit down and think about our futures. It is also about our children and about Africa, because if Nigeria fails, Africa fails,” he said.
The Publisher/Editor in Chief of Gbaramatu Voice Newspaper, Jacob Abai, said in the past seven year, they have gone through a sequential process, which involved adhering to values and principles, and played the role of the society’s choice which, censored on the principles of displine, justice and courage.
“As we celebrate and look into the future, one tbing stands out; we recognise without mincing words that the future is full of promises as it is fraught with uncertainties. But with God on our side coupled with your support, we will conquer our fears. With ulyou as God’s instrument, and Development focused Nigerians, I am full of hope that our quest will be seamlessly achieved,” he said.