Bayelsa Communities Get New Agip Projects

In an effort to improve the living condition of its host
communities, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has commissioned some rural
infrastructure in three  communities of
Bayelsa State.

The projects include, a mass concrete landing jetty in
Okpotuwari Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government area, a 3km low voltage
network and installation  of a 500KVA
(11/0.4KV) sub-station in the respective Ologoama Community and Akakumama
Community in Nembe Local Government Area.

The NAOC General Manager, District, Giovanni  Salvini, represented by the Public Relations,
Communications and Government liaison Manager, Prince Nwachuku Obi, while
performing the ceremony said that the concrete jetty in Okpotuwari will help to
alleviate the difficulties faced by the people in the area of transportation
and berthing of speed boats just as the electricity facilities in Ologoama and
Akakumama will enhance the economic activities of the communities.

He said, NAOC will continue to strengthen the existing
cordial relationship by pursuing policies that would add value to the betterment
of the host communities and urged them to reciprocate the gesture by promoting
enabling environment for oil exploration.

The representative of the Bayelsa State Ministry of
Environment, Ezekiel Adike, commended Agip for complementing the state governmental
efforts towards better living condition for the people.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State
Governor on Oil and Gas, represented by Idukimi Omoribo, lauded Agip for the
gesture and urged the people to embrace peace to attract more projects to their
respective areas.

The Okpotuwari Community Development Committee secretary,
Tiger Christian, in his address requested for a new 1000KVA generating plant to
replace the old one which has low voltage, a revisit of the MoU, provision of
equipment for the health centre, increase in number of scholarship awards to
the indigenes and appropriate naming of oil wells after the rightful landlords.

The paramount ruler of Akakumama, King Ebinimi Donka
Solomon, while commending Agip for the people- oriented projects, called on the
state government to come to their aid by sand-filling swampy surroundings as
well as provide portable water in addition to Agip’s efforts.

The Ologoama CDC Secretary, Magnus Alpheus, in his remarks
expressed gratitude at the electricity project and appealed for the
rehabilitation of the health centre there and provision of Ambulance boat to
facilitate its activities.