13 February 2014, Yenagoa – The host communities to the Oloibiri oil well, first commercial oil well in Nigeria drilled in 1956 at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have said the area has nothing to show for its historic role in the economy of the country.
The communities lamented that several promises made by past administrations to develop the area and give their people a sense of belonging had remained a mirage.
A leader in the community, Chief Amangi Daniel, who narrated the plight of his people during a visit of Mr Jay Naidoo, a former Minister for Development in South Africa, to Oloibiri oil well, noted with sadness that the relics and pollution associated with oil exploration in the area were still evident.
He said: “Despite our peaceful disposition that led to uninterrupted oil production for several decades, development has eluded our community even as Shell Petroleum Development Company, which struck oil in the area, has also abandoned the well.”
– Vanguard
