PIA: Delta urges unity among host communities in managing 3% funds ~ Truth Reporters

Delta State Government (DTSG) has call on host communities to oil and gas to be united amongst themselves and urge them for judicious management of the PIA three percent funds  as catalyst to develop host communities across the state.

The state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stated this during a three-days summit with the title "Warri Oil and Gas Summit 2023 " which was convened by Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, SAN, held in Udu LGA. 

The theme of the summit is "The Development of HOST COMMUNITIES in Delta State and the Impact of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021"

Represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas in the state, Chief Vincent Oyibode, Governor Oborevwori reiterated the need for unity among host communities in the management of PIA funds for the benefit of the host communities to foster economic growth to alleviate the suffering of the people. 

"As part of our M.O.R.E Agenda, which stands for meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reform and enhanced peace and security will be the benchmark host communities must be key into," he added.

He remarked that the state government upon  resumption has settled most lingering cases between host communities and the setlors as well conflicts among leaderships of host communities that have hindered developments.

Oborevwori urged companies that are yet to inaugurate their HCDTs to do so and release the funds accrued to the communities without delay 

He said "as government we will not accept any host community shutting down operations of oil companies, if their are issues bring them to the  government and they can be sorted  out, noting that the ministry of oil and gas was established to act as a bridge between host communities and oil companies in the state.

He remarked that Delta State is very peaceful for investment, adding that his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the oil and gas sector 

The convener and legal consultant for the event Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, SAN, in his welcome address, said the first ever privately propelled oil and gas summit is to reorient our people, just as the saying that "My people perish for lack of knowledge"

Dr. Akpo Odje stated that knowledge has made us understand that the said three percent flowing to the host communities from the operational cost and/or budgets of oil companies, must also be paid in US dollars, British pounds sterling and euros,  where applicable. 

"I respectful urged all to retrospect and introspect on the immortal words of the incorruptible Gamaliel Onosode in 1998 'there must be something fundamentally wrong with a system that turns the owners of a product to become a thief of his own product," he said.