By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has bagged global recognition award in the fight against climate change recently held in Dubai.
The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Vincent Oyibode revealed this during an interactive section with some oil companies in the state in view to reduce carbon emissions.
Chief Oyibode added that the state Governor is ahead of other states in the fight against climate change through an initiative that has earned him a global recognition award at the last climate change summit in Dubai.
Oyibode noted that under the present administration of Oborevwori and him as the commissioner, “no host community will have cause to shut down oil and gas operations in the state”, adding that the state Governor is focused on building a harmonious relationship between companies and their host communities at all times.
Chief Vincent recalled how the ministry swung into action following the crisis at the Otumara flow station not long after he assumed office as commissioner.
The commissioner urged the oil companies to always align themselves with the state government’s good policies, saying the meeting was part of his endeavour to enhance synergy via regular interaction with the oil and gas companies in the state and all stakeholders.
According to him, “We don’t have to wait till there is crisis before we meet to deliberate on issues that require attention. You don’t have to wait, then you begin to run to the government when something happens. We should be meeting so as to thrash out any issues, not wait till there is a crisis”.
He also uses the medium to tasked the oil companies on effective communication with the ministry, than relying on hearsay that Chevron was employing 10, 000 persons for its turnaround maintenance.
Oyibode also tasked the oil companies to meet their revenue obligations to the state for a seamless operation while carrying out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to their host communities.
The Commissioner however warned them to stop gas flaring saying that it is affecting the lives of Deltans and must be discontinued.
Oil Companies that attended the meeting are; Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron, Seplat, Pillar Oil, Pan Ocean, Energia, Furtullah Oil and Operators of OML 26, among others.
Share this story to friends