Recently, the top management staff of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the buyer of SPDC’s shares in NNPC/SPDC/TOTAL/AGIP Joint Ventures were in Government House, Asaba, for a courtesy call on the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. Receiving them at the Exco Chambers, Governor Oborevwori assured them and other oil and gas companies in the state of a safe operational environment that would protect their investments.
Governor Oborevwori who noted that oil was the mainstay of the nation’s economy, harped on the need for a strong and sustainable partnership that delivers values to all stakeholders. He called on oil companies operating in the state to institutionalise realistic relationship with their host communities by carrying them along to inspire the much needed trust and confidence that would enhance their operations.
“I am happy today because, two of you, the Chairman and the Managing Director (MD) are people that have worked in this environment. They have been with Shell; so, they know the workings and all that…
“And in my relationship with Shell, I was the youngest Community Chairman working with Shell in the whole of the western division when I was the Community Chairman. We used to do this people’s parliament and go for oil seminars with very top leaders in the region. So, I got a lot of experience with my relationship with them. I believe in dialogue rather than confrontation. And with you at the top of the hierarchy of this company, I believe that you will do well.
“I want to assure you that your operations here is safe. Delta State is one of the most peaceful state today in the South-South. So, your investment is very safe here. Our mainstay in this country is oil. So, there must be a relationship with the host communities. Once you have a relationship with them and they are carried along, you don’t have a problem” he said.
While saying that he brought his experience with Shell into government, the Governor said there was a need to always engage the people and create employment for them. “It is difficult for just one community to shut down oil installation in Delta State. It is only when you are not playing your part that we see such. Once you play your part, the government will support you. So, I want to assure you that coming here today is a good start and we are very happy,” the Governor added.
According to him, security is very important, adding that the state government does not play with it, saying “All our oil facilities are safe and since I came in, there has not been any record of attack on oil facilities because we won’t take it.
“Today, we are the highest oil-producing state and I pray we will continue to be number one. So, let us build a strong partnership that delivers value to all the stakeholders. The state will support you to succeed because as you do, we will also succeed as we also get our taxes from there. I assure you of the total support of the government.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the company, Dr Layi Fatona who thanked the Governor for granting them audience, said they were in Government House to formally introduce the management of the company to him (Governor Oborevwori), just as he thanked him for the support that he had given to Shell.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the company, Engr. Tony Attah said the vision of the company was to start from the Niger Delta to promote energy security in Nigeria, adding that the company has an African ambition.
“We want to take over Africa as it concerns energy and we must start from home. This is one of the reasons that we have to come back to base and start to connect with you. We fully align with the MORE Agenda of the Delta State Government. This country will go nowhere without oil and gas. And as we all know, we are very well-positioned to lead the industry.
“We are confident that all the support you gave Shell and we, being 100 per cent Nigerian and Deltans specifically, will enjoy more support than you ever gave to Shell during their time here. We look forward to partnering with you and I thank you for having us” Engr. Attach said.
In another development, Governor Oborevwori has underscored the importance of cultural festivals, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment in the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Governor Oborevwori, speaking when he played host to the President and leadership of the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba said the cultural festival was a veritable platform to preserve and promote the cultural identity of any tribe.
The Governor disclosed that he was impressed with the antecedents of OFAAC in the promotion of Anioma cultural heritage for over two decades and pledged his administration’s support for the group and others that were deeply involved in the advancement of peace and development.
He thanked the people of Delta North for their support in his emergence as Governor of the state, adding that the socio-economic and infrastructural challenges of the senatorial district would continue to receive special attention.
Governor Oborevwori said he was happy to have sons and daughters of Anioma extraction in his cabinet and charged the people not to relent in championing anything that would accelerate all-around development in the state. He affirmed that OFAAC has remained a vehicle of unity among different ethnic nationalities in the state and urged other groups to follow their vision.
“I commend OFAAC’s tirelessness, dedication to preserving Anioma culture, heritage and identity. Your efforts are crucial in promoting our rich traditions and values. As a government, we reaffirm our commitment in preserving cultural heritage across the state, support initiatives that promote festivals, language and recognizing their importance in shaping our identity.
“Under the MORE Agenda, we have implemented key projects across the Anioma nation and generally, across the state. And in the last election, the Anioma people supported me immensely. I won in the nine local government areas of the Anioma nation.
“I thank the Anioma nation for their show of love. I commend OFAAC for the way you promote unity and harmony in Delta State. This is what we need as a government. I love the fact that OFAAC invites people from other ethnic groups whenever they are celebrating.
“Sustaining this group for the past two decades is worthy of commendation. You have given this administration your support and we will in turn support you as a government. We will continue to work together for the unity of Delta State,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the President of OFAAC, Arc Kester Ifeadi said the cardinal goal of the body was to promote Anioma cultural heritage and also be a vehicle of unity among different ethnic groups across the state.
While describing, Governor Oborevwori as a detribalized leader, the OFAAC President commended him for all-round development in the three senatorial districts culminating in different awards.
He, therefore, assured Governor Oborevwori of the sustained support of the Anioma people in advancing his MORE Agenda for the collective good of Deltans and residents of the state.
