Nation

Unite To Achieve Dev, FG Tells Ogonis …Denies Issuing New OMLs To Firms

Published

6 years ago

May 7, 2018

In order to attract meaningful sustainable development going forward, the federal government has challenged the people of Ogoni in Rivers State, to fashion out united and dignified front with a common voice to table their problems for solutions.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who stated this during a roundtable dialogue with enlarged Ogoni stakeholders at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Tower, Abuja, last Thursday, emphasised that it was only when the people form a strong team of impeccable leaders would the government take them seriously, and religiously address emerging problems hindering progress in the area.

Kachikwu explained that the age-long distrust and lack of confidence in government has negatively impacted on development in Ogoniland, reassuring that the federal government was committed to the development of Ogoni communities.

The minister noted that the government was interested in addressing all outstanding issues of concern to Ogoni people, including the holistic clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report Recommendations, resumption of oil exploration, inclusive participation in governance and execution of development projects in the area, stressing that the activation of all these would create jobs, unleash small and medium scale businesses to drive economic growth, and fast-track peace and development.

He specifically noted misconceptions that the federal government had issued operating license to RoboMichael to explore for hydrocarbons in Ogoniland, which had ignited perceived tension in the area, but clarified that what the government did was basically to authorise the issuance of preliminary licence to the indigenous oil firm to enable it engage the people and test its capacity to deliver mutually beneficial business interests to all stakeholders in Ogoni.

Kachikwu reminded the delegation of the importance of getting it right this time around by understanding and keying into all activities presently ongoing in Ogoniland, adding that the Ogoni question was no longer a local issue, but an international one that requires strategic partnership of all players, including Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, KAGOTE and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) to achieve consensus on issues and meaningful development.

“I am very committed to finding solutions to these problems. There was no reason to stop oil exploration, provided it was done properly. The ideas have been met, but there is need to move forward. Oil communities must not be neglected in anyway, there are vital components, which the federal government must look into critically in addressing the issues in Ogoniland,” he added.

He reminded the leaders of Ogoni that confrontation would never solve any problems in the area in particular, and the entire Niger Delta in general, saying, “We must find a way to sincere and honest engagement. When you break pipeline, we all suffer it; so, the best option I think is to engage aggressively.

“We are compelled by the constraint of time to do the needful because oil that is not extracted for 25 years could be explosive once it finds a little window of escape,” Kachikwu said, insisting that the government was not interested in any particular oil company resuming exploration activities in Ogoniland and would only give nod to companies that have shown not just capacity to deploy best technology and global best practices but have integrity, trust and confidence of the people.

The minister expressed happiness at the success of the meeting, and promised to hold subsequent meetings in Ogoniland, admitting that the people would feel a sense of belonging when government interacts with the grassroots more regularly and delivers on agreements reached.

Earlier, the National Coordinator, Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba had submitted a list of demands of Ogoni people to the minister, including regular meetings to resolve issues relating to resumption of oil exploration, SPDC apology to Ogoni people on the murder of late Kenule Saro-Wiwa, federal government’s exoneration of the Ogoni Nine, connection of all Ogoni communities to the national grid, youth employment, among others.

Topba assured that once SPDC was able to apologise for the Ogoni massacre, KSWA would take the initiative to mobilize the people to ensure that SPDC resumes oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Also speaking, MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara accused the federal government of causing the problem in Ogoniland, and challenged the government to implement the letters of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the Justice Oputa Panel Report as it concerns the Ogoni question.

Pyagbara expressed the hope that a better framework would be put together to drive result-oriented engagements with the people of Ogoni going forward, and noted with regret that it took the minister so much time to do the needful in order to restore peace in Ogoni.

Ogoni delegation to the parley included the leadership of MOSOP, KSWA, KAGOTE, representatives of traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, among others.

In addition to the top echelon of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the other oil companies at the meeting were the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC; SPDC; and RoboMichael.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

24 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

24 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.