Oil & Energy
Monarch Urges RSG To Electrify Rural Communities
The Rivers State Government has been charged to provide electricity supply to more rural communities in the state as a means of driving sustainable development and economic viability of the state.
Making the challenge during a skills acquisition graduation ceremony organized for 20 youth from the area by AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, His Royal Highness, N.L.A. Iraron Ede-Obolo 11, said the government needs to open up the rural communities through vigorous electrification to avail entrepreneurs, small scale business owners, and investors to provide business opportunities, create employment windows and increase the revenue profile of the rural areas and the state.
The traditional ruler noted that with that strategic step, the government would decongest Port Harcourt and its environs, and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the rural communities, thereby bring more revenue to the wealth basket of the state.
He advised the graduands to make effective use of the various starter packs, which include computers and accessories, welding machines and accessories, driers and hairdressing accessories, electrical tools, among others, acquired for them by AMNI, stressing that posterity will not forgive the beneficiaries if the facilities are sold.
The monarch said that not putting the facilities into useful business activities would deny them the opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state as well as deprive the communities the benefit from the huge investment by the company.
Speaking, a Director in the state Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Chukwu Enyindah lauded AMNI and Andoni communities for the cordial relationship that has existed between them, saying that the result of that peaceful atmosphere is the training and empowerment of Andoni youths in skills necessary to sustain them and their families in future.
Enyindah, who represented the commissioner for chieftaincy and community affairs, advised the communities and their youth to maintain the good working relationship in other to attract more development opportunities and investments into the area, noting that government was ready more than ever before, to partner with peaceful communities for the development of the state.
In his remarks, a representative of chairman, Andoni Local Government Area, Prince Abiante Ekereawaji, urged AMNI to up the skills acquisition quota from 20 to 30 in subsequent exercises to create room for more youth to participate, while at the same time pleading with the company to pay taxes to the Andoni Local Government Council since it operates in the area.
Earlier, general manager, external operations, said the skill acquisition initiative has so far trained 60 persons from the area since 2009, saying that this third batch of 20 persons have been fully trained to run their own businesses and employ others to reduce the unemployment situation in the state.
The assistant general manager, operations, who was represented by Mohammed Bello Jambako, added that the training programme was part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Andoni and AMNI, which according to him, has been followed to the letter, restating the commitment of the company to review the MoU in 2012 as provided for.
According to the company, 30 Andoni youth have so far benefitted from its secondary school scholarship scheme, which runs for seven years, stressing that apart from the scholarship initiative, indigenes of the four clans in Andoni were also direct beneficiaries of the various contracts awards, human capacity development programmes, and other economic empowerment initiatives as a means of keeping faith with the company’s corporate social responsibilities.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Philip Uranta noted that AMNI has not experienced any attacks or facility vandalisation in the area because it was meeting its obligations to the local people, and thanked the company for providing a source of livelihood for the youths of Andoni.
Festus Awajiokwan
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.