By Oreva Omojefe
DELTA State Government has assured members of the Occupational Health and Environmental Professionals Association (OPOHEPA), Opuama and Polobubo branch, of its support to create a peaceful and friendly environment for businesses to thrive for meaningful development.
The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon Peter Uviejitobor, disclosed this while playing host to OPOHEPA in the State capital, Asaba. Uviejitobor urged OPOHEPA members to key into the MORE Agenda of the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to enhance peace and security in the oil and gas industry.
He assured them of government’s support and commitment to promote safety, environmental stewardship and compliance with Industrial best practices within the communities and beyond.
Earlier, the President of OPOHEPA, Mr Markson Aboh, solicited for the state government’s intervention and support in ensuring that oil and gas companies operating within Opuama and Polobubo communities prioritize the engagement of qualified HSE professionals from their Association.
Aboh said as indigenous professionals, we possess not only the required certifications and field experience but also the socio-cultural understanding that enhances communication, conflict mitigation and operational harmony within our local environment.
“The inclusion of OPOHEPA members in site safety operations will promote regulatory compliance, reinforce community trust and support the broader goals of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, especially as it relates to community participation and local capacity development” he explained.
The association expressed gratitude to the state government and the Ministry of Oil and Gas for its commitment to community development and for always championing the cause of indigenous participation in the oil and gas value chain.
