The Bayelsa State Government says plans have reached advanced stage for the state to host the 5th edition of the National Council on Hydrocarbon Summit.
The State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr Ebieri Jones, disclosed this to The Tide source in Yenagoa,the state capital during an interview.
He hinted that following the huge hydrocarbon reserves of the state and its role as a major stakeholder in the oil and gas sector,the state which had hitherto been a guest to other hosts of the summit was chosen to host the programme this year.
Dr Jones noted that the state Govenor, Douye Diri, was committed to ensuring prosperity for all Bayelsans,saying that his quest for the development of the state amongst others would soon make it the envy of others in the comity of states with hydrocarbon reserves.
The commissioner pleaded with host communities, HOSTCOMMS of multinationals to give peace a chance for development to thrive in their respective domains,harping that disunity amongst such communities has derailed their pace of progress.
He called on the people of the state to have confidence in the state government, noting that the prosperity-administration led by governor Diri could only do more for the state when there is unity and peace,just as he restated that the ‘prosperity’ mantra of the government has to do with government putting in place the modalities for all Bayelsans to engage in and prosper in any lawful facet of life they found themselves in.
According to the commissioner,the hydrocarbon summit which is billed to hold between 23 through 27 of November,2020 would afford the state and Bayelsans the opportunity to present their expertise in the oil and gas sector as well as prospects,challenges and value chain in the sector.
“My advice to host communities of oil firms in the state,is to maintain peace and unity.Without unity there can’t be any meaningful development in our communities”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.