Three communities in Rivers State, namely; Ogoloma, Okochiri and Koniju communities in Okrika local government of Rivers state are optimistic that the operation of Petralon 54 Limited will create job opportunities and enhance economic development in the concerned communities.
Petralon 54 Limited is an indigenous oil production and exploration firm, who had earlier been awarded Petroleum Prospecting License No. 259 (PPL 259) by the federal government in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, thus, becomes the sole operatorship of the Dawes Island Field.
The firm has been actively engaging the community since the award, with the motive of discovering the needs and pain points of the community. To this end, the management of the company visited and engaged the communities over the weekend.
The event tagged ‘Community Launch’ held at the Ogoloma Town Square had the rich culture of the Okrika people on display and attracted dignitaries from the three communities, including the youths, community elders, members of the Council of Chiefs, top government functionaries and traditional rulers.
Notable amongst those present at the Petralon 54 Community Engagement Programme were: His Royal Majesty, King Emmanuel Tamunoigbeindebia Ibiagolika Obudibo, JP, Ikwo V, the Amanyanabo of Ancient Ogoloma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Hon. Linda Stewart Koroma, Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Spokesperson for the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma Kingdom, Dr. Chris Biriowu, Spokesperson for the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Chief Martins Ateli Kunumgbe, Chairman, Ogoloma Council of Chiefs and Engr. Alhassan Abubarka, a representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Leading the Petralon team are; the executive director, Adeola Akinrinmade; Community & Government Relations manager, Gboyega Aiyemomi and founder, Petralon 54, Ahonsi Unuigbe, who formally presented the company’s license to the traditional rulers and people of the communities, conveyed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his management team.
Unuigbe, while presenting the PPL license, told the communities that “Petralon 54 is a socially responsible organisation that is committed to human and environmental wellbeing and urged the Okrika people to see the company as a partner in progress.
“We are not just here to take without giving back. With the right atmosphere created by the people of Okrika communities for our company’s operations, mutual prosperity is assured.”
Similarly, the spokespersons for both Ogoloma and Okochiri communities, Hon. Linda Koroma and Dr. Chris Biriowu, warmly applauded Petralon 54 and expressed the communities’ happiness at the company’s of connecting deeply with the people.
“We are peace loving people but we do not want to be taken for granted. In getting wealth out of our land, our people’s means of livelihood are destroyed. We therefore expect that we should be a part of the prosperity for which we sacrifice our livelihoods, ecosystem and land,” said Hon. Linda Koroma.
She added, however, that “with the way you – Petralon 54 have come to us, we are persuaded that you are keen on a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with our communities, and for that, you have our full support and cooperation.”
Earlier, in his remarks for Okochiri Kingdom, Dr. Chris Biriowu commented that, “our communities have a very high percentage of youths, who will require employment and empowerment. We ask you, as one of us, to make this one of your own problems, too.”
Petralon 54 Ltd is an indigenous exploration and production oil and gas company. The company holds a 100% interest in PPL 259, which covers the Dawes Island Field, and is a subsidiary of Petralon Energy Limited. Going by its strategic plans, Petralon 54 is looking to bring the Dawes Island field on stream before the end of the year 2022.
Consequently, the company has highlighted and started the implementation of some strategic initiatives that will enable seamless operation and contribution to national output.
