Niger Delta
‘Pipeline Surveillance Has Boosted States’ Revenue’
The Special Adviser on Oil & Gas to the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Franklin Otele, has declared that the introduction of pipeline surveillance by the Federal Government as a strategy to end pipeline vandalism and oil theft has helped boost the economy of state governments in the country, especially Bayelsa and Rivers States.
Speaking recently with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Otele stated that with operations of pipeline surveillance contractors like Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), among others, the menace of oil theft and illegal bunkering, which threatened Nigeria’s economy, has drastically reduced while crude oil delivery through pipelines has increased from almost three percent to above 90 per cent.
Otele added that oil pollution and its attendant degradation of the environment has also been reasonably stemmed, thus, boosting fishing and farming which were gravely endangered at the peak of the nefarious activities of pipeline vandals and oil thieves.
He said, “I want to thank the Federal Government for the initiative of engaging pipeline surveillance contractors such as PINL, which is presently in Bayelsa and Rivers states.
“As a government person, I want to talk in respect of the operations in Bayelsa State because we interface with the communities, International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the contractors. Illegal refinery or what we call ‘kpo fire’ is not a strange activity in the Niger Delta. But since the inception of the contractors in Bayelsa, we have started to receive good results.
“Before now, pipeline vandalism was like a daily occurrence. But they came and engaged the communities. They spoke with government and they enlightened the people about the consequences of these activities (pipeline vandalism and oil theft – ‘kpo fire’).”
He listed the consequences, saying “once there is vandalism, there’s shortage of crude oil supply, shortage of production. When there’s shortage like this, first the state government monthly revenue will drop. That’s from the state government aspect. At the community level, there is a lot of consequences for the environment. You know Bayelsa is a predominantly fishing and farming state; and where there is pollutions here and there: one, it will kill all the fish around. Two, it will destroy the farmland, and mangroves. Besides that, recently we have seen some fire outbreaks where lives were lost, especially in Rivers and Imo states.”
He commended the surveillance contractors for their key strategy of community engagement and employment of youths, noting that the contractors had engaged so many of the youths in various communities.
“And recently, they have some programmes such as medical outreach to the communities they are operating. I know that during the last flood in Bayelsa, PINL distributed some items to the communities. So, I commend them.”
Otele also commended the Federal Government for the policy, and called for the extension of the contract as well as widening the scope of the job for the contractors.
He advised the youths to shun violence and pipeline vandalism, saying; “On behalf of the state government, we wish to plead with the youths of Bayelsa State that they should tow the path of government, which are peace and prosperity. They should not be misled by criminals, they should be serious with the government, the government has done its best by providing enabling environment for citizens and people who are coming to do business in the State”.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.