The President of the National Youth Council, Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, the Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom, His Royal Highness Dr. Kroma Amabib Eleki, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri, Alh. Mujahid Dokubo Asari, and others stated that the operation of oil block OML 55 will bring benefits to the people of Rivers State and to Nigeria as a whole.
The NYCN President and the traditional rulers made this statement while speaking to journalists a few days after the start of crude barging and transportation to Bonny for processing.
Recall that OML55 had been inactive for about four years before Belema Oil acquired it, initiating the crude barging on March 9. The crude was then transported on the Ajivin Energies vessel, MT Abie H, which sailed on March 10.
In an interview with journalists, Sukubo, who led other community youth leaders to witness the start of the operation, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an environment that supports business growth.
He said ” The Youth Council, under my leadership, has done its best to ensure that we partner with the host communities to support OML55 and allow the barging operation to start immediately.
“I think this is a positive step in the Federal Government’s efforts to grow the economy and increase the country’s oil production capacity. So, it is a win for the Nigerian government and local businesses.
“This operation is owned by an indigenous company that is supporting the local people. Already, over 200 youths have been engaged as local surveillance guards to ensure a smooth commencement of operations from Robertkiri to Bonny. I believe this is a positive development for youth employment in Nigeria. In the initial stage, we are looking to engage more than 300 people through the barging operation, from surveillance to the barging crew.”
The Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom, for his part, expressed confidence that the start of operations would benefit Rivers State and Nigeria. He urged the youths to reject vandalism and violence, and instead embrace dialogue.
He expressed concern that the inactivity of OML55 had obstructed the development and growth of the host communities.
The Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom stated ” With this production, we know that we will enter a new phase. It will have positive effects on the kingdom, in terms of infrastructural development, human capital development, and more. Now, youths will be employed in the crude barging efforts, which will bring resources to the people, with a geometric influence on the community. With production,
“The youths and members of the host communities should support the company to ensure there is no disruption in production. There should be no youth restiveness; if the youths have any issues, dialogue should be embraced, not violence.”
Additionally, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri welcomed the commencement of the operation as a positive development.
King Asari, who has been at the forefront of the fight against oil bunkering, cautioned that such activities could result in significant destruction to both the economy and the environment.
He stated ” Now they are barging, and when the vessels arrive, there will be hands engaged, clean-up efforts, crew members will buy and sell, and several other benefits. There are many benefits, both hidden and obvious, that will impact the community. This will contribute to the economic growth of Rivers State and Nigeria.
“I have been at the forefront of the fight against oil bunkering. While it may bring short-term economic gains to individuals, it causes monumental destruction to the environment, the economy, and the environment. So, my advice to our people is not to cut off your nose to spite your face.
“There is also a need for the Federal and State governments to continue encouraging investors to ensure that revenue growth can be sustained in the interest of the people.”
Additionally, the Amayanabo of Offoinama, Offo XIII, His Royal Highness, King Simbia Sukubo, called for community support in the interest of future generations and emphasized the need for government backing to boost revenue.
” The advice I will give to our youths is to offer the company all necessary support so that they can produce more in the interest of our children. We also advise the State and Federal Governments to support Belema Oil so that government revenue will increase across all levels.”
On behalf of the community-based organizations, the Chairman of the Kula Community Development Committee, Jona Joshua, stated that the start of the operation will positively affect the lives of their people.
He urged the Federal and State governments to create an environment that supports business growth for the benefit of those at the grassroots level.
Joshua stated ” This entire project will change the livelihood of our people and Nigeria as a whole. Today, we are happy that this operation has commenced. As you can see, many youths are here to witness this, so it is a credit to the Federal and State governments.
“What our youth need is employment. It would be wrong for the political leaders in the state to galvanize them for violence. They should create avenues for employment opportunities for them, like what we are witnessing here.”
