Isopadec Board Chairman Says Healthy Dialogue Will Reduce Problems In Oil Producing Areas

By Eleugu Mgbemgasa…

The Board Chairman of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), HRM, Eze Prof. Amuzienwa Dele Odigbo (Eze Igwe, the 3rd of) Nkwesi Oguta LGA, says effective and healthy dialogue among government, oil companies and the host communities will reduce or end crisis in the Niger Delta Region.

He reflected that the lingering issues in the oil producing communities of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East would be solved fairly if government and oil companies engage the host communities in constant communication/interaction, saying identifying the problems and needs of the people, meeting them squarely will go a long way in reducing minimally the conflicts that sprout there.

Odigbo stated this when he spoke to newsmen during the Niger Delta Region Peace- building Strategy (NDRPS) Implementation Town Hall Meeting organized by PIND Foundation and Niger Delta Affairs, held in Owerri, last week.

He said though the oil producing communities in Africa are ridden by crisis given to negligence, lack of adequate communication and understanding, reiterating that healthy communication and understanding will engender peace and development at the oil bearing areas.

According to Eze Odigbo, “conflict is inevitable in human existence. There has been conflict here and there between youths and oil companies. By constant communication and interaction peace can be built in the Niger Delta Region. Oil companies and government need to be very close to the people, make explanation. Hence we urge government to set up committee to start up interaction between the Presidents – General of Town Unions among others to strengthen cordiality, cooperation, understanding gearing towards meeting the welfare and needs of the people”.

“By this measure, conflict will reduce drastically at the area. We also urge the people, youths to give peace a chance as government and ISOPADEC have been working fairly and effectively to build social amenities such as electricity, roads, healthcare centres and quality education at the oil rich region, including skills and empowerment”.