THE relevance of Delta State in socio-economic development, peaceful co-existence and political reckoning is principally due to its investment in peace and unity among the diverse ethnicities in the state, equitable provision of infrastructure, empowerment of the youths, and inclusive governance.
This disposition has engineered its increasing records in oil production, with about 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). Besides, the state has sustained its second position in oil and gas production and revenue contributions to the Federation Account, coming after Akwa-Ibom State.
This, to us, is not a mean achievement by the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori administration considering the hiccups that affected oil production largely manifest in pipelines vandalisation, bunkering and illegal refineries. Violent protests and kidnapping of expatriates and Oil Company workers also made oil production plummet in the recent past.
Quite commendably, peace building and development in oil-producing communities across the state has triggered increased oil production output and placed the state well ahead of its peers.
Justifying the peace being enjoyed across the state, especially in the creeks, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, recently told the press that the state government’s proactive steps in peace building helped to boost oil revenue.
Thus, the manner in which the Delta State government has touched lives in the creeks is instrumental in boosting oil production. Roads and bridges had been built to link many oil-bearing communities to the outside world. Among the roads are the 20.29km Obotobo I, Obotobo II, Sokebulou, and Yokiri roads in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area. Notable bridges are the Beneku Bridge linking Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East local government areas, the Asaba-Ase Bridge linking Isoko South to Asaba-Ase in Ndokwa East and the Ayakoromo Bridge on River Forcados, which connects Ughelli South to Ayakoromo and neighboring communities in Burutu local government area.
Besides, there are still roads and bridges in Warri area that are ongoing to engender more development, while the government has provided empowerment at various times for the youths and women in the creeks. These, no doubt, are responsible for the reduced incidents of pipelines vandalisation in the creeks, where oil is being extracted to generate revenue for the state and the federal government.
While the situation calls for celebration, efforts must be made to sustain the achievements. Granted it is not easy to get peace, but it is a greater task sustaining it.
Consequently, the state government, Deltans, oil companies operating in the state, and stakeholders should synergise in ways that promote overall development.
We however urge the Delta State Government to make more provisions for Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to address infrastructures in oil-bearing communities, focus on empowerment of more youths, and ensure that oil companies honour the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities.
On their part, the oil companies should prioritize the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), holistic application of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and shun divide-and-rule relationship, while the host communities are advised not to be too overbearing and violent in agitating for their entitlements.
We commend Governor Oborevwori for improving on the legacy of his predecessors by addressing the problems of residents in the creeks and riverine communities and urge that the strategy be maintained to sustain Delta’s enviable records in oil production and revenue generation.
