…Plays Host To HOSTCON
THE Executive Director, Projects (EDP) in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun (Dr.) Ebenezer Okorodudu has played host to the Executive members of the Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCON).
Addressing the visitors, Dr. Okorodudu commended them for the courageous step they have taken to seek peace and reconciliation with the Host Communities of Oil and Gas Producing Areas (HOSTCOM), so as to maintain peace and reap the benefits accrued to the oil producing communities in Delta State.
Speaking further, he said the present Board of the Commission is ready to partner with progressive minds to bring development to the oil producing communities in the state.
“DESOPADEC will be glad if there is a unified front of HOSTCOM. We cannot continue to shy away from this. United we stand, divided we fall. The struggle has not ended, so the Commission will do whatever it can to mediate in the reconciliation of both parties”, he said.
Dr. Okorodudu then advised them to formally route their request for the Commission’s intervention through the Managing Director/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor to the Board for action.
Earlier, the National Chairman, Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Prince (Dr.) Mike Emu had informed the EDP that they came to seek for the Commission’s intervention to reconcile with the Host Communities of Oil and Gas Producing Areas (HOSTCOM) to let peace reign between the two factions of the group in the state.
“We acknowledge the unfortunate divisions that have surfaced over time within our host communities. The schism between factions has only served to weaken our collective power. But today, HOSTCON extends a hand of reconciliation, a warm and genuine call to close ranks and work together for the benefit of all,” he said.
Thanking the EDP for the warm reception, he expressed optimism that the Commission’s intervention will bring peace between the warring factions.
Other members of the group in attendance were Hon. Ikukaya Foshar, State Chairman HOSTCOM; Hon. Prince Shedrack Ikelega, State youth leader, Isoko Ethnic Nationality; Dr. Grace Oghenekevwe Ese, State Women Leader; Apt. Peter Ikuku, Urhobo Ethnic Nationality Chairman; Bishop Diaweib Francis, State Vice Chairman, Ijaw Ethnic Nationality; Ogbuefi Opia Emmanuel, State Welfare, Ndokwa Nationality; Dr Richard Aniwe, State Secretary and Rev. Prof. Uzuazokaro Okoro, National Clergy.
Others were HOD, PME, Engr. Elliott Oloko; HOD, Housing, Surv. Oyimi Williams; HOD, Utilities Mr. Festus Ifowodo; Engr. Onokpasa, SA to EDP; Technical Assistance to EDP, Engr. Evans Omene amongst others.
