Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has called for peace and prayers for victims of Okuama crisis, particularly the families of the dead 17 officers and men of the Army and other civilians including women and children, as the nation marks this year’s Easter celebration.
The Delta Central lawmaker in his Easter Message to constituents and Nigerians said: “peace is a priceless gift,” and appealed for restraint from all actors in the crisis to prevent any further escalation of the violence, he advised that government should allow for an independent and unbiased panel of investigators to probe the incident and bring all the perpetrators to book.
He also called on government at all levels and the Nigerian people to use this period of Easter to engage in soul searching as a nation on the events leading to this tragic and avoidable loss of lives in order to prevent further reoccurrence.
His statement reads: “As we commemorate the Easter season, marked by the spirit of hope, renewal, and reconciliation, I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims of the tragic events in Okuama. This senseless violence has left us all deeply saddened and calls for urgent reflection and action as a nation.
“The loss of precious lives in the Okuama crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. As we mourn the victims and stand in solidarity with their families, I urge restraint from all parties involved, particularly the military authorities, to prevent further escalation of violence and bloodshed, and furthermore to allow an independent probe to unearth the truth surrounding despicable act and bring the perpetrators to book.
“This Easter, let us use this period of solemn reflection to come together as a nation and engage in introspection on the events leading to this tragic and avoidable loss of lives. It is imperative that we examine our collective conscience and rededicate ourselves to the principles of justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence.
“The Urhobo people are very peaceful, hospitable and enterprising. They have contributed greatly over the years to the development of this country in all spheres of the national development, therefore, the incident of Okuama does not in any way define our people, hence efforts should be made by the Nigerian state and its institutions not to punish innocent Urhobos on account of the actions of a few criminals whose true identity are yet unknown.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new life, I extend warm Easter greetings to the Urhobo Nation, the residents of Delta Central Senatorial District, and indeed all Nigerians. May this Easter season bring healing, reconciliation, and renewed hope to our hearts and communities.
“As a people, let us fervently pray that the incident of Okuama never happens again and that peace and harmony prevail in our beloved nation.
House of Representatives member representing Obudu/Bekwara/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke on Friday, joined the Hausa and Muslim community in Obudu, Cross River State to break the Ramadan fast.
The lawmaker, who was accompanied by a high-profile entourage was received by the Chief of the Hausa Community, HRH Alhaji Kasimu Ali Haruna, assisted by the Chief Imam of Obudu, Alhaji Yusuf Usman, the Queen of the Hausa Community, Hajia Aishatu and other Prominent Community Leaders in an event that took place at the Chief’s Palace in Obudu.
The event was a display of communal harmony and unity, as people of different faiths gathered to share a meal and show respect for one another’s beliefs.
Akpanke harped on the importance of religious tolerance and understanding in the society.
He noted that this year’s Ramadan coincidentally falls on the Christian fasting period of lent, stressing that it shows that the two religions are one family with one God.
He charged Muslims to pray for the peace and unity of the country, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The lawmaker urged everyone present to embrace the values of tolerance and love, not just during Ramadan but every day of the year.
Akpanke donated various food items and cash to the Muslim community in Obudu to assist them in the Ramadan feeding programme.
Responding, the Chief of the Hausa Community, HRH Alhaji Kasimu Ali Haruna, and Chief Imam of Obudu, Alhaji Yusuf Usman, lauded Hon. Akpanke for being a detribalised leader and for always carrying every member of his Constituency along regardless of tribe or religion.
They assured him of the continuous support of the Hausa and Muslim community.
Honourable Gift Johnbull, the senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on community engagement (South-South), on Thursday, March 28, addressed the issue of oil bunkering and its impact on local communities in the South-South region.
During the women in oil and gas stakeholders’ forum, Gift Johnbull highlighted the immense financial toll inflicted on Nigeria by illicit oil bunkering activities, revealing an annual loss exceeding N2 trillion.
She also highlighted the significant hardship experienced by communities reliant on fishing and farming, who are now compelled to abandon their livelihoods due to oil spillages resulting from these activities.
She stressed the importance of engaging locals in meaningful dialogue and addressing the adverse effects of oil bunkering on their health, environment, and economic well-being.
Gift Johnbull said: “For us to address the detrimental impact of oil bunkering on our communities, it is imperative that we recognize the loss annually incurred by Nigeria.
“Beyond the financial toll, this illicit activity inflicts untold hardship, particularly on local communities reliant on fishing and farming. As we confront these challenges, empowering and involving these communities is paramount.
“Through meaningful dialogue and acknowledgement of the adverse effects on health, environment, and economic well-being, we can develop targeted and sustainable solutions.
“But, empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes and grassroots initiatives is key to addressing the root causes of oil bunkering. Together, let’s build a safer, healthier, and more equitable environment for generations to come.”
As communities in the oil rich Delta continue to suffer the impacts of oil exploration and the activities of major oil companies on their waters, soil and air, the young people may have taken the matter into their own hands, turning into the only other option: Crime. Seun Akioye , who visited three communities reports
In its carefully crafted public image, Heritage oil limited, an operator of one of the lucrative oil mining businesses in Nigeria’s oil rich Niger Delta says it is a versatile organization with a portfolio of quality assets managed by an excellent team. The company which was acquired by Energy Investments Global Limited in 2014 has a producing asset in Nigeria and exploration assets in Ghana and Papau New Guinea.
Ado Oseragbaje, the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Oil and its Nigerian subsidiary, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) was lavish in his praise of the company’s operations and partnerships with its host communities.
HEOSL CEO – Ado Oseragbaje
He said: “We strive to understand and manage the sensitivities of the environments in which we operate as well as our responsibilities to them, throughout the lifecycle of our operations. Through our actions, we are helping maintain the integrity of our environment and our pollution control processes and standards as well as our greenhouse management plan are being applauded and recommended by industry regulators to peers.”
Heritage, owns and operate Oil Mining License (OML) 30, a Joint Venture between the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL), in Erhobaro-Orogun, Ughelli North local government in Delta state. The OML covers about 1,095 sqkm and contains 11 fields and nine flow stations.
This investment should mean paradise for the people of Erhobaro and its surrounding quarters like Orogun and Kokori. If the words of Oseragbaje are to be believed, there should be durable, profitable partnerships in the host community. But the truth would not be unveiled through carefully crafted public relations, but through a visit to the host communities.
“The soil is dead, the river is dead”
Michael Anibor, 68 years-old, has little to do nowadays except sit on his porch and moan the good old days. The days he said, of plenty to eat, of the fertility of the earth around his village Erhobaro and when fish was plenty in the native Ubianegbe river. “ It has been eight years since we last fished in the river,” Anibor began as he pulled a chair to himself, sat on it and pulled his torso forward.
Anibor, nothings grows in our community again
It was a hot and humid afternoon in Erhobaro, few of the natives went about whatever gave them happiness, there were few youths around, the ones that chose to remain in the village, shunning the temptation of going to the city to “pick money.”
“Everywhere is empty as you can see,” Anibor continued. “ The native ponds are empty, our rubber trees are gone. From here to Kokori, you will be lucky to see one sick rubber tree, yam and cocoyam are totally gone. The youth have left for Warri to go and press phone and pick money,” he said.
Pressing phones and picking money in Warri is the slang for a new and deadly vice which many youths of the community are engaged in. It is the new form of internet fraud which for about four years has been booming and drawn jobless young people from communities to the main city of Warri.
It is hard to find a hotel in Warri, which is not fully or nearly occupied by young people engaged in internet fraud, there they lodged and conducted their business and when they finally “pick money” they invite the girls to enjoy the spoil.
“It is all over Delta, you will see about seven boys in a room, pressing phone, soon they will be picking money and that is what they are doing now. When one has made it, he will come and pick the other ones in the village,” Anibor said.
In Warri, the commercial capital of Delta state, the prominence of internet fraud was very visible. Many of the high end hotels are completely booked by young people who have recently been “picking money”.
“They have money and they want to spend it, they drive the latest cars in town and some of them are lodged here for a long time. They are always entertaining the ladies and when the police stops them, it is to collect their own share,” one of the hotel supervisors said.
Anibor said the source of all the misery of the community is from the oil companies of which Heritage Oil Limited is the latest operator. Oil exploration began in Erhobaro in 1961, Anibor said the community did not even know those who were exploiting their natural resources until Shell came and then the NPDC which handed over to Heritage.
“These people (Heritage) never did any community engagement with us unlike when Shell was here. And they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that 70 percent of the workers would be sourced from the community. But nobody from the community is working there. Nobody, since Heritage came here, it has been bad,” Anibor said.
Problem began for Erhobaro community when Shell pipelines began to leak, into the Ubianebe River and the surrounding ponds and into the farmlands. Little or no remediation was done by Shell and when Heritage inherited the oil fields, the community alleged they were shut out completely.
“ We have tried to engage with Heritage but they don’t want to see us, they are no longer interested in us,” Anibor alleged.
Finegirl Omonade, the community women leader sat in a corner eating an unripe pawpaw. She had been a prosperous farmer once but now the soil has yielded nothing for her toil. “ We used to plant groundnut and pepper, but today you cannot see any pepper stand because they die before the time,” Omonade said.
Finegirl, the women suffer the most
The women suffer the most, as predominantly farmers; they have nothing to rely on anymore. “No pepper, no tomatoes, no groundnut, only cassava is resistant to the oil and even that is so small, at the end of the day, you will see it is a waste of time planting them,” the women leader said.
The tragedy did not end with the farmers, the fishermen, The Nation was told have also abandoned the profession, some have taken up other professions while those unlucky are condemned to manual labour at construction sites.
One of them is Edward Ese. For 10 years, he fished in the prosperous rivers of Erhobaro and for some time, lived a life of ‘luxury’. But Ese’s days of prosperity are all gone, now he roams around building sites looking for manual jobs to feed his family.
Ese and his now ‘useless’ fishing net
Ese hardly understands the cause of his misfortune and why the fishes are no longer in the river. “ They said it was all the oil wells that leaked into the river,” he announced as if the idea had just occurred to him. “ Government should consider us and give us jobs. I am no longer interested in fishing, I just want any job now,” Ese said.
The people of Erhobaro said they are helpless and defeated. They are only at the mercy of Heritage Oil. But in an interview with The Nation, Heritage oil denied responsibility for polluting the land and water of Erhabaro, saying it has carried out clean-up exercises to the satisfaction of regulators.
Ado Oseragbaje, the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Oil in an interview with The Nation said: “On the 7th of October 2020 and 14th of August, 2021, there were two separate loss of containment incidents due to a breach of our Kokori flow station bund wall, which impacted the Erhobaro community environment.
“Following industry regulatory procedure, HEOSL carried out Joint Investigation Visits (JIV) involving the representatives of the regulators, the company and the community, in both cases. The situation was addressed from three fronts, containment to prevent further spread, construction of a well-engineered bund wall and cleanup and remediation of the environment.”
But the community disagreed. They insisted oil activities have impacted their land and the waters. During an on-the-spot assessment at the Ubianebe, there were dead fishes floating around the river and one could not perceive the signs of any living thing in the river.
Floating rivers of dead fishes in Erhobaro
“Nobody has been able to fish here,” Anibor said, his voice assuming a tinge of anger. “ People who used to have fishing boat have nothing again, how can people continue to live like this and the oil companies would continue to get away,” he said.
In the evening, the people of Erhobaro went about whatever they can lay their hand on. Outside the community, two flow stations of Heritage Oil stood majestically, with its flare burning majestically into heavens and into the skies above Erhoharo.
A farmer in Erhobaro, fishing for dead fishes
In Iwhrekan, when it rains, it is acid rain
Jonah Gbemre is desperate to know what has happened to the Iwhrekan community in Ugheli south where he grew up and the one he is currently living in. On a hot and humid afternoon, he made his way to his father’s compound , right in the middle of the town.
Gbemre, there is no water for us to drink anymore
“ Here is my father’s compound, where I grew up,” he began, spreading a hand over a now derelict building. “ And here is the well we drank from as children. The water was very clean and hygienic, that was what we knew as children,” he said. And as if to confirm the now dangerous state of the well, he dipped a pitcher and brought some water out.
“ You can see this, all mixture of oil and gas. What can anybody do with this water now and this is the same story for everybody in this community,” Gbemre said.
Iwhrekan is host to the Utorogu, a shut in Oil and Gas facility jointly operated by an Asset Management Team (AMT) made up of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) a subsidiary of the NNPC and ND-Western.
OML 34, which hosts the gas plant covers an area of about 950 square kilometers according to information from ND-Western. The producing fields within the asset are listed as Utorogu, Ughelli East and Ughelli West.
OML 34 is reputed to have one of the highest gas reserves and production capacity in Africa and it is of national importance to Nigeria for the supply of domestic gas and feeding the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) to neighboring countries of Benin, Togo and Ghana.
One of the joint operators, ND-Western said its philosophy is a “socially responsible organization that apprises the communities and environment in which we operate to identify and work with relevant stakeholders to eliminate barriers to social, economic and development barriers.”
The company also said it was committed to “the utmost integrity” when dealing with the community people. However, none of these lofty ideas seems to have been taken into consideration when dealing with the people of Iwhrekan community.
“ We thought we were blessed by our natural oil,” Gbemre said as he took a walk around the community. “We have one of the biggest gas plants in Africa but look what is left now. The vegetation, natural resources, animals are all gone because of the activities of these oil companies. The natural plants indigenous to our land are now extinct, our roofs are black, we cannot drink our natural water anymore and the soil is bad,” he lamented.
Things have not been this bad in Iwhrekan. Alice Mala Goldsmith, one of the leaders of the community remembers the good old days. For 20 years, she had been fishing in the local river and through that had fended for her family and built a small house. Her life seemed planned until year 2012.
Alice Goldsmith, we need monthly stipends
“We don’t know how, but there was a huge oil spill that destroyed the river and the land. It busted into flames and burnt everything on the ground. No single fish survived, from that time till now, it is suffering for the people here. Now, we have acid rain,” Alice said.
Alice was standing in the middle of her living room with her grandson lying on the floor in a corner. The room itself is modestly furnished with old fittings and the walls had family portraits. “ My husband used to have three boats , now we have none,” Alice said.
The situation in Iwhrekan has been so bad that very few crops grow there anymore and work is scarce, according to the natives. “ Nobody in this community farms now, they are all labourers, the work that men used to do is what women are doing now. And our children, they have nothing to do, so they left the community for the city. Those left here are worse off, you will see a graduate looking like primary school leaver, when there is a shutdown, there would be earth tremor, our houses would be impacted, the gas flare would make it impossible to breath, the problem is huge,” Alice continued to lament.
Everyone in Iwhrekan is looking for ways to cope from the 2012 oil spill which devastated the land, though there was an attempt at clean-up, it was not enough to save whatever remains of the river and soil.
“I am a traditional birth attendant, that is what I do now, while my husband is now a massager, those are the only jobs we can find.” Alice said.
Her husband, Elder Mala Goldsmith came in from another session where he had gone to massage a client and took his seat on one of the old sofa. “ The oil is a blessing to this community,” he began. “But, the way they are treating us is bad. I feel bad that I could not continue my father’s profession of fishing and now I am a massager.”
The people of Iwhrekan had made an attempt to demand for justice in the past. Alice said: “ There was a time the women went to protest at the site, the company brought soldiers, beat people and chased us away,” she said.
Gbemre remembers the incident. “We have used the courts in 2005 to declare that gas flaring is illegal. We brought journalists here, the women protested, they brought soldiers to brutalise everybody, it is on record.
“Now, what the oil company is doing is divide and rule. They are bringing social unrest into the community, there is dishonesty and wickedness. The oil now is a curse,” he said.
But more worrisome than the economic problem is the health challenges the people are facing especially the women. “ There is rashes all over the children and cough, there is hardly any compound that does not have an invalid, Alice revealed.
Alice wants justice for the people of Iwhrekan.” They should pay the women some monthly stipends,” she said, wearing a serious look. “There is nothing from our land, as you entered here, did you see anything that the women can do? So we need that monthly stipend.”
Elder Mala agreed with her. “They should pay us all something every month. The youth should be empowered, now they are stealing food and plantain to eat. Soon they will all go to the city because there is nothing for them to do here,” Mala said.
But there is hardly any viable work for the youths in Warri, which is now full of young people either roaming about aimlessly or joining in some form of criminal activity. ND-Western refused to grant an interview nor respond to emails from the correspondent on what it has done t remediate the impacts of its activities on the communities.
In Ophorigbala Ughievwen Kingdom, oil activities fuels climate change
Comrade Daniel Abudje wasted no time in lamenting the terrible state of affairs in his community of Ophorigbala, Ughievwen kingdom in Ughelli south. “There is no basic infrastructure here as you can see. Nothing is happening in our farm and the river, nobody sells fish in this community anymore,” he began.
Abudje, the community chairman was not exaggerating. Though a fishing community, for many years, there has been no fishing activities in the community. Emuobor Amos has been a fisherman since 1999; it was his family’s business. “This is what we do in our family,” he said as he led the reporter towards his boat.
Emuobor Amos, getting ready for another fruitless fishing
“I have used this fishing to train my seven children but from 2012, everything began to go down and nothing improved till now,” he said.
A major challenge is the road leading to the community and according to Oshogbo Endurance; the Okwuagbe Ophorigbala road has reportedly been approved but never fixed. “If this road is fixed, the communities around here can access Warri with ease. Right now, you have to go over the water. There will be improved infrastructure. For 16 years, we have not seen electricity power in this community, there is no mobile phone mast, but just one network can serve at least 10 communities, this is more money for the providers, that is what they should be thinking about,” he said.
Oshogbo, all we need is access road
The people of Ophorigbala are living in fear of climate change and another flood. In 2022, a devastating flood affected the community, the worst in living memory. It devastated the houses and farmlands, washing chemicals into the fields and ruining whatever nutrients remained on the land.
“Our traditional work is farming but now we cannot farm because of the small yield from the field, farming which has always been difficult has become more difficult now,” Faith Egbo, a community leader said of the aftermath.
The people do not depend on the government provided health Centre which according to Abudje is no health facility at all as “the centre is in a rented apartment and there have not been drugs there for years. The nurse comes only when necessary.”
“This always led to sudden death among the children and even the elderly do die of malaria. One person ran mad because of high fever here,” Oshogbo said. For about four years, ND Western, the operators of OML 34 has been building a cottage health centre, but the people do not know when it will be ready.
Wherever a medical emergency arises, the people contacted one of their legendary native doctors who also act as the traditional birth attendant. Ighofiovwoni Anthony is the most famous of them. “It is a talent from God,” she told The Nation with a smile. “And in all the years I have been practicing, I have never lost anyone,” she boasted.
Learning the hard way
The children of Ophorigbala and the surrounding communities learn the hard way in the only functioning secondary school in the vicinity. Broken down walls, fallen roofs, unhinged doors are the characteristics of the school building.
School in Ophorigbala
Abudje said the community had taken the matter to Delta state ministry of education and promises were made to rehabilitate the structure. “There are 500 students here,” he said pointing to the already fallen roof in one of the classrooms. “The students are willing to learn but there is no infrastructure here. We are hoping the government will come to our rescue and help us,” he said.
There are only 14 teachers catering to the 500 students, most of them coming from Ugheli which posed another problem during the raining season. One of the teachers (name withheld) said they are doing everything to ensure the students receive the best education. “The students are doing well, two of our former students are reading medicine now, I am proud of my students and some of them are even teachers now.
“We want the government to give us a new structure, and then furnish this place, we have no tables even for the teachers and students,” the teacher said.
Students in Ophorigbala, learning the hard way
At the entrance of one of the classrooms, a banner welcomes the students to the new term and promises that “education is not a scam.” But such statements meant little to Lucky, a senior secondary school student who sat copying his notes from a fallen down board, unsure of what the future holds. In another class, some students sat hurdled together, on the few remaining chairs in the room with a broken roof. Last term, a huge snake was found nesting in the class and it took the intervention of the villagers to get rid of it.
The students all shabbily dressed had different dreams and hopes. Aghogho wants to become a fashion designer, Destiny is already learning how to repair bicycles, Favour is learning hair and beauty make up, the apprenticeship takes up all her free times and sometimes eats into her school time.
Praise is studious, she wants to become a nurse and help her community while Marvelous is determined to be the first medical doctor in her generation. All the students are however unified in their poverty, with dreams bigger than themselves and the fallen school building.
INTERVIEW
We have invested over N67 billion in our host communities-Heritage Oil
Ado Oseragbaje, the CEO of Heritage Oil speaks with Seun Akioye on the efforts of his company in addressing environmental issues in its host communities
Tell us a brief background of your activities in OML 30 and how has operations been faring especially with the host communities?
Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited is the Operator of the OML 30 Joint Venture between NNPC Exploration & Production Ltd (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd (SNRL). HEOSL took over the Operatorship of OML 30 in 2017.
HEOSL has a harmonious relationship with the 112 Host Communities in OML 30. Between 2019 and 2023, we invested more than ₦67.4 billion (Sixty-seven billion, four hundred million Naira only) in CSR. One of the expressions of our CSR is the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) which governs HEOSL’s harmonious relationship with the 112 Host Communities in OML 30. The GMoU funds serve as one of the cornerstones of OML30’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. Approximately 10% of the CSR budget – ₦6.96 (Six billion, nine hundred and sixty only) has been invested in implementing the GMoU across the OML 30 host communities between 2019 and 2023. And the relationship between HEOSL and Erhobaro Community has been cordial and mutually beneficial.
Your statement says you work in collaboration with the community, but there is no evidence of this in the community. Also, no one from that community is working with your company, why is this so?
Since 2015, the Erhobaro community has been benefitting from our GMoU funds released to implement development projects that the communities execute to drive their development. Companies owned by indigenes of the Erhobaro community such as Ducatel Nig. Ent., Clemarvelson Nig. Company., Powerbest Global Services and Erovoks Enterprises have been contracted to deliver a total of 9 GmoU development projects, out of which seven have been completed while two are currently ongoing. Specifically, these projects are delivered to Obauoku-Erhobaro (two projects), Etavwobakai-Erhobaro (two projects), Etewhia-Erhobaro (two projects) and Erhobaro-Orogun (three projects). These projects, worth over N94 million, include the purchase of Tricycles, a Joint Project of Solar Water Scheme and Purchasing & Installation of 300/33/0.415KVA Transformer, Procurement of Motor Bikes as well as Sienna buses for both transportations as well as security services for the indigenes of the community.
The community said your oil activities have negatively impacted their fishing and farming and I have scientific proof for this. Why is there no remedial activity to reverse this?
On the 7th of October 2020 and 14th of August, 2021, there were two separate loss of containment incidents due to a breach of our Kokori flow station bund wall, which impacted the Erhobaro community environment.
Following industry regulatory procedure, HEOSL carried out Joint Investigation Visits (JIV) involving the representatives of the regulators, the company and the community, in both cases. The situation was addressed from three fronts, containment to prevent further spread, construction of a well-engineered bund wall and cleanup and remediation of the environment
The construction of a newly engineered bund wall was completed in December 2022. Upon completion, three (3) competent community vendors (Perissors Engr Services Limited, Teridan Universal Technology, and Saralight Global Ventures) were commissioned to commence the restoration of the environment. This exercise was duly monitored by both NOSDRA and NUPRC. The remediation was duly completed in April 2023 and post cleanup inspection was carried out by these regulators in August 2023. Laboratory results and findings showed that all environmental assessment indicators analysed were below regulatory set limits and we were advised that the clean-up site be closed out.
Since the completion of the bund wall and the restoration of the environment, no spill incident has been recorded in the area. Relief materials were provided for the initial bund wall failure and adequate compensation was paid.
I saw a lot of poverty in a land producing milk and honey, why are there no empowerment activities sponsored by your company for the indigent, old and unemployed in the community?
Ten per cent (10%) of the annual community development budget is devoted to providing empowerment activities and capacity building in our host communities of which Erhobaro is one.
Do you have any scholarship schemes for the people and what interventions in health did your company initiate How many children have enjoyed OML 30 scholarship in Erhobaro?
On an annual basis OML 30 awards six (6) post-primary scholarships and two University scholarships to deserving indigenes of Erhobaro community.Erhobaro is within the catchment of the Erhoike Cottage Hospital at Erhoike-Kokori, which we support in collaboration with the Delta State government. The hospital provides healthcare services to a cluster of 23 communities, including Erhobaro.
How many projects have you executed in Erhobaro?
A8: A total of nine (9) projects were executed as part of the GMoU projects in Erhobaro. Seven projects have been completed, while two are currently ongoing. These projects, worth over N94 million, include: Purchase of Tricycles, Joint Project of Solar Water Scheme and Purchasing & Installation of 300/33/0.415KVA Transformer, Procurement of Motor Bikes as well as Sienna buses for both transportation as well as security services for the indiegenes of the community. Additionally, Erhobaro benefits from the medical services provided by the Erhioke Hospital which was upgraded and is being supported by Heritage Energy.
The measure by Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate to secure the immediate approval of funding for the dualistion of three sections of the Benin-Lokoja federal highway from President Bola Tinubu underscores the potential benefits of electing him in the 2024 governorship election, convener of Akpakomiza Support Group Dr Blessing Agbomhere has stated.
The APC chieftain spoke yesterday in Abuja while addressing Edo Indigenes in Diaspora on the importance of bringing Edo State into the mainstream fold.
He cited Senator Okpebholo’s actions as a clear example, assuring voting for the APC candidate would expedite the state’s development.
He emphasised that the APC’s track record in bringing development to Edo State is unparalleled and stands as a testament to the party’s commitment to progress.
He urged the people to cast their votes for the APC, emphasising the importance of electing a Governor who will prioritise collaboration with the federal government to attract development to the state.
According to him: “We do not want a Governor who engages in unnecessary conflicts with the federal government, using them as excuses to mask his own failures.
“Instead, we need a Governor who will work hand-in-hand with the President to bring tangible development to our state.”
He maintained that the candidate of the APC is not given to frivolities and does not play to the gallery, stating he has proven to be a man that seeks excellence, capacity and ability even though quiet and unassuming.
He said: “Edo needs enormous federal presence and only the
The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the immediate funding of 30km dualisation of three sections of the Benin-Lokoja Federal Highway.
The group also commended the efforts of Senators Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) saying with the planned construction of the road, the suffering faced by the people of the area over the years due to the deplorable state of the road, would be a thing of the past.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday said the Federal Government has put plans in place to complete the construction of the Benin- Lokoja road project within six months.
In a statement, the Coalition’s regional coordinators (South-South) and (North Central) Hon. Kamarudeen Bello and Comrade Steve Adepoju described the action of Mr. President on the road project as timely, appropriate, and a welcome development, which they said, was capable of boosting the livelihoods of the people.
While commending the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu for coming to the aid of the people at this critical period, the group said, “the construction of the road would go a long way in reducing the menace of erosion around the area”.
According to the Coalition: “The road have been in deplorable condition for too long. Residents of these areas have been facing challenges of deplorable roads and gully erosion, but with the pressure mounted on the federal government by the senators representing Edo Central and Edo North, the minister for works has promised to fix the road within the next six months – this is a cherry news that must be commended because our people will smile again when they see positive improvements.
“Those of us at the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa therefore commend Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole for putting the people first. This is leadership from the representatives of the people. Governance is not about the amount of speech you deliver on television or on the floor of the National Assembly but the capacity to bring development and dividends of democracy to your people”.
Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund(REF) in Rural Electrification Agency, Hon. Doris Uboh, has advised contractors involved in power sector projects to improve their performance, noting authorities are poised to dismiss any of them failing to meet expectations.
During an interactive and familiarisation meeting with stakeholders in the power industry, Uboh emphasised the importance of stakeholders and contractors only undertaking projects that align with their capabilities and expertise.
The former member of the House of Representatives expressed readiness to collaborate with local stakeholders, highlighting that external interventions have not effectively addressed the longstanding issues in the power sector.
According to her: “I am impressed with the presentations I have received and listened to so far, especially knowing that you all share my passion and belief that it will take Nigerians to make Nigeria work.
“Bringing in external hands has only worsened the situation for obvious reasons. The fact that there are Nigerians like you who are willing, know the terrain, have the experience and are ready to work to provide solutions to the issues of epileptic and inadequate power supply is commendable.”
The REF boss emphasised the widespread issues faced by Nigerians due to power instability as well as the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving them in a timely manner.
According to her: “The issues affecting the power sector have become a problem that impacts all Nigerians, regardless of their wealth. These issues now manifest in places that were once thought to be immune.”
“Furthermore, the Minister is deeply concerned and passionate about ensuring successful outcomes. Fortunately, young people currently play a dominant role in the industry, with many of us having exposure to international experiences through academic studies. This has allowed us to witness the success of foreign power sectors, instilling confidence that similar achievements are possible here.
“Highlighting the importance of maintaining good conduct and honoring contractual agreements, Honorable Uboh emphasised, ‘I recently attended a workshop where I reiterated our Zero Tolerance Policy for Failed Projects.’”
“As an agency, we are committed to supporting developers facing challenges within our scope. However, stakeholders must avoid taking on more than they can handle. If necessary, we will reassign projects to more capable individuals to ensure successful outcomes. Our primary goal is to achieve results.”
“Even if you are a close relative, excessive delays on a project, as mentioned by the Minister, may lead to consequences. I will not hesitate to take action, even if it means parting ways with family members or colleagues before facing dismissal myself.
“Before you tarnish my reputation, I will assign the job to someone who can execute it because I am exhausted, and so is everyone else, from these recurring power complaints. It feels as if something is fundamentally wrong with us as a people, but in reality, there is nothing wrong with us.”
Stakeholders under the auspices of the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) have lambasted persons accusing the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, of nursing a political ambition.
The group raised the alarm over the allegation that Ogbuku was nursing ambition to become the governor of Bayelsa state was part of an orchestrated plot by detractors to lay the foundation for the destabilisation of the current board and management of the NDDC.
The group’s Coordinator, Comrade Timi Apere, in a statement in Port Harcourt, insisted that those behind the allegation had a devilish motive of creating and promoting an impression that the commission’s management lacked focus.
The stakeholders said: “As a group that supports the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, we will not stand by and watch as some unscrupulous politicians toy with our destiny by conspiring to pull down the NDDC Governing Board that was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 29, 2023.
“We are concerned that successive Boards and Managements of the NDDC have been subjected to smear campaigns, fabricated stories and absurd allegations meant to tarnish the image of the officials, with a view to removing them from office”.
The group warned enemies of the Niger Delta peddling the allegation to steer clear affirming that the current NDDC board and management were doing things differently by adopting new strategies.
“We are convinced that it is a new dawn at the commission and the era of underhand practices are over. It is, therefore, preposterous for anyone to claim that the NDDC leadership is not working for the general good of the people.
“It is common knowledge that the commission has invested in numerous infrastructural developments, especially on roads, electricity, healthcare, education, human capacity building, agriculture and environment”, they said.
The peace advocates insisted that promoters of the allegation were enemies of the Niger Delta, who were envious of the multiple successes recorded so far by Ogbuku and the board.
According to them, the false claims are meant to sow a seed of discord in the region and scuttle the plans of the commission to speed up the development process.
But the group said: “The truth is that the Board and Management of the NDDC are now, more than ever before, determined to make a remarkable impact. This became evident after the four-day Retreat anchored on ‘Renewed Hope: A New Era for Vitality, Peace and Development’, which was held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
“Following the retreat, we are beginning to see a new NDDC that is pushing relentlessly to provide solar-powered streetlights in many communities across the region.
“Apparently, some politicians are not comfortable with these emerging stories of success, hence the subterranean campaign to distract the NDDC leadership by dressing the Managing Director in an unsolicited political garb. We see this as undisguised blackmail by some persons and groups to discredit Dr. Ogbuku and slow down his rising profile”.
The stakeholders recalled that they met and interacted with Ogbuku on many occasions and from their engagements they observed without equivocation that he was not nursing the ambition of contesting for governorship in Bayelsa as he only pledged to revamp the NDDC to serve the interest of the region and the country.
The group said: “We appeal to those weaving this political scheme around Dr Ogbuku to desist forthwith and allow him to concentrate on the task of implementing the NDDC mandate of facilitating rapid and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
“The Niger Delta Peace Advocates believe that those who mean well for our region should join forces with key stakeholders to challenge the powerful forces and systems that are bent on holding the NDDC captive to subvert its objectives.
“Although we cannot discountenance the effects of political interference in the activities of the NDDC, we are pleased that the current board and management have adopted measures to check these extraneous influences.
“We urge the NDDC Governing Board to remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (South-South), Honorable Gift Johnbull, expresses condolences over the death of the soldiers who were killed during a peace mission in Okuama Community, Delta State.
The incident, which happened on Thursday, March 14, saw security personnel ambushed while responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
The attack resulted in the loss of a commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, twelve soldiers, and one civilian.
In a heartfelt message, Gift Johnbull extended her profound condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and loved ones.
She hailed the heroism, courage, and uncommon patriotism displayed by the servicemen and women in the line of duty.
She said: “I extend my profound condolences to the families of those fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones.
“I salute the heroism, courage, and uncommon patriotism of our service men and women in the line of duty.
“The Renewed Hope government condemns in totality these evil acts and has granted full authority to the Defense Headquarters to bring justice to anyone found to have been responsible for this crime against the south-south community and in entirety the Nigerian people.
“Our people are unique in diversity sharing fraternity over the years as the seas, lands, and resources bear us witness paving the way for a rich heritage for our people but we can only achieve a great future in oneness. Mr President’s community engagement agenda can only have maximum impacts if we live peaceably in love and oneness.
“May God grant peace and pardon to all lost souls in this crisis and restore calmness to all communities in the zone.”
Leading Civil Rights advocacy group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has rallied civil rights organisations and non-governmental entities to join forces in solidarity with Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari.
In an era where the nefarious activities of organised criminal syndicates threaten to destabilise the very foundation of economic backbone, HURIWA underscored the imperative for a united front against this pervasive menace as a call to action, stating that with a staggering 9,000 infractions recorded on oil pipelines within a single year, demanding a concerted response from all sectors of society.
“The recent disclosure by Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, revealing a staggering 9,000 infractions on oil pipelines within a single year, underscores the critical urgency for all members of the civil society in Nigeria to actively unite and offer unwavering support and solidarity. Our collective efforts are imperative to swiftly combat the scourge of crude oil theft and ensure its swift defeat.
“The visionary leadership of Mele Kyari and the NNPCL management, in their relentless pursuit of counter-crude oil theft strategies, has garnered commendation. However, the depth and breadth of the crisis necessitate a broader coalition, drawing from the moral authority and constitutional mandate vested in the Nigerian citizenry,” HURIWA stated.
It emphasised the appeal for broad-based civil society and nationwide support and solidarity with the NNPCL in combating crude oil theft is firmly rooted in constitutional principles.
It highlighted Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic which mandates citizens to actively uphold good governance standards, as the foundation of their call to action.
“Mele Kyari, speaking during an oversight function at the NNPC headquarters, revealed the extent of the challenge, with 6,465 illegal refineries deactivated and nearly 5,000 illegal pipeline connections removed. He acknowledged the daunting nature of the task, noting that despite efforts, the scale of infractions remains staggering, often escalating immediately after intervention.
“Kyari stressed the centrality of security in addressing pipeline vandalism, underscoring NNPC’s collaboration with all security agencies and private security firms. Despite operational challenges, he affirmed the corporation’s capacity to exceed two million barrels per day but lamented the impact of crude oil theft on production targets, citing a drop to 1.1 million barrels per day in 2022.
“In conclusion, Kyari reiterated the urgent need for decisive action to avert further decline in production, attributing the shortfall primarily to crude theft. He underscored the interconnectedness of this issue with broader challenges facing the industry, emphasizing the imperative for concerted efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard Nigeria’s oil resources,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA applauded Kyari’s unwavering resolve and patriotic fervor in confronting this hydra-headed monster of crude oil theft. Moreover, the organization revealed ongoing deliberations with various stakeholders across civil society and non-governmental spheres to establish a national network of civil rights bodies in support of combating crude oil thefts.
“This collaborative endeavor seeks to harness the collective wisdom and resources of credible civil rights leaders, fostering a unified front against the scourge of crude oil theft. Through multifaceted dialogues and strategic advocacy initiatives, HURIWA aims to galvanize widespread support for the NNPCL’s endeavors, ensuring the realization of holistic objectives in the battle against this pernicious threat.
“In the face of adversity, unity becomes our greatest strength. Let us stand together, resolute in our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and prosperity for all,” HURIWA stressed.
