Traditional Leader Seeks Participation Of Host Communities In Oil Sector

The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dokolo, has stated that host communities should take a more active part in the oil and gas value chain.

Speaking during the torch-lighting ceremony for the 2022 Oil and Gas Stakeholders Festival (OGSFEST) in Yenagoa on Sunday, Dokolo, who is also the Paramount Ruler of the Ekpetiama Kingdom, spoke for the cause.

According to him, communities in the Niger Delta would become more tranquil and effective if they took more initiative in managing the oil and gas resources within their purview.

Providing oil blocks to individuals who do not experience the adverse effects of oil and gas exploration, according to Dakolo, is morally wrong on the part of the federal government.

“As a region, the Niger Delta has nothing to show after six decades of exploration and production in its land.

“We should play key roles in managing and determining how our resources are used. This is in the interest of justice and fairness,” he said.

In her speech, Onome Wilkinson, convener of OGSFEST 2022, stated that the ceremony served as the official start of the festival, which will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, in August.

According to her, the purpose of OGSFEST is to use a funfair approach to foster peace, unity, and a symbiotic relationship among oil and gas host towns.

She said the festival would feature roundtable talks, epic dramas, essay competitions, and colourfully packaged cultural shows.

“The roundtable discussions will focus mainly on issues concerning the environment, oil spillage, enabling laws and more,” she said.