Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Bayelsa State Government has charged leaders of oil producing communities in the state, on the need to promote peaceful environment for economic activities, especially oil and gas explorations.
The state government disclosed that the current administration places premium on peace, in order to attract more investment into the state, as a precondition for fullfiling its prosperity agenda for the people of the state.
Commisioner for Mineral Resources in Bayelsa State, Dr Ibere Jones, gave the charge at the inauguration of the Dodo River Community Rural Development Association, made up of five communities in Ekeremor LGA, hosts to Chevron Nigeria Limited.
According to him, “The administration of Governor Douye Diri, is very keen on maintaining peace for economic activities to thrive and it is a prerequisite for the realisation of its prosperity agenda and without peace there cannot be progress and prosperity.
“So the government sees peace as a fundamental basis for everything we do and the governor is very careful and passionate in providing a peaceful environment for businesses to thrive and attract more investment to the state.”
Also, the newly inaugurated Chairman of Dodo River Communities Rural Development Association, Mr Francis Amamogiran, commended Chevron for the GMoU model adopted by the company for the communities.
Amamogiran explained that under the current GMoU model, the communities are at the driver’s seat in the implementation of the development process, while the company funds the projects.
“So far the GMoU is the only process that has provided answer to development, transparency, accountability and lasting peace in the Niger Delta. I commend Chevron for the landmark history it has made in the Niger Delta with the introduction of the noble idea of the GMoU.
“What is more remarkable is the commitment of officials of Chevron to the implementation of the terms of the GMoU to the letter, we applaud the leadership provided by the Public Government and Public Affairs team at Chevron in fostering the development of our area.”