Business
Udom Harps On Govt, Monarchs, NDDC’s Synergy
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has stressed the need for an effective tripartite working relationship between the government, the Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of oil producing areas.
Governor Emmanuel who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo stressed the need while declaring open the 26th National Conference and inauguration of the 2017-2019 National Executive Council of TROMPCON held in Eket Local Government Area Akwa-Ibom State recently.
He said TROMPCON, the mouth-piece of oil bearing communities in Nigeria has become a household name as the body had been on the forefront agitating for just and equitable participation of oil producing communities, adding that with the mono-cultural economy, development of oil producing areas should not be left for government alone.
According to him, history has been made for the large turn out of people to brain storm on areas to maximize the benefits accruable to oil producing areas, and expressed delight for the positive role TROMPCON is playing, pointing out that government is ready to partner with them to achieve set goals for oil producing areas.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Akwa-Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Obong Effiong Bassey Archiaringa, said it is an oporutnity for the people of Niger Delta to come together and move the region forward as the hen that lays the golden egg, urging all to stay united, focus to project and protect the oil and gas producing areas to reduce unemployment, poverty, under-development and deprivation.
Archiaringa, who is the current National Chairman of TROMPCON, called for all hands to be on deck and enjoined oil and gas companies to relocate to their operational base while commending all for the vision sustained as well as lauded the Governor for hosting the conference and the founding fathers for their vision.
Nine oil and gas producing states attended the 3-day conference which ended last Friday.