– Curb environmental degradation
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has sought a collaboration with the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production while addressing the severe environmental challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.
Receiving the leadership of the IYC during a courtesy visit, Lokpobiri praised the Council for its steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of the Ijaw people.
He urged the IYC to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its mission to enhance crude oil output, emphasizing that this goal must be pursued alongside efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, which have caused extensive environmental damage in Ijaw land.
“The menace of pipeline vandalization and illegal oil bunkering has led to significant environmental pollution. We must work together to curb these practices and preserve our land for future generations,” Lokpobiri said in a tweet.
The Minister also encouraged the IYC leadership to uphold the values of integrity, resilience, and leadership that define the Ijaw people.
He assured them of his full support in their efforts to promote the welfare of the Ijaw community and contribute to the nation’s progress.
