23 October 2015, Warri—Traditional rulers in Ijaw communities in Delta state have been charged to exert their authority in eradicating oil theft in their domains as the trend, if not checked, would cost Delta Ijaw nation zero% derivation in spite of the vast oil resources in their communities.
The Commissioner representing Izon nation in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Favour Izuokumor, gave the charge during consultation visits to Delta Ijaw royal fathers in Warri and environ.
Izuokumor, the Fiewei of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, told the monarchs that, “not only is pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering polluting our communities and endangering our lives, if the act is not stopped, Izon nation may end up getting zero allocation from the Federal Government’s derivation returns.”
The commissioner, who donated two 18-seater buses to Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms during the visit, hinted that under his commissionership, non- performing contractors will not be awarded contracts for DESOPADEC projects.
“My projects focus would place emphasis on strategic wealth creation to further generate employment for the teeming youths through agriculture (fishery, piggery, rice farming and plantations) as well as skills acquisition in line with Governor Okowa’s vision of prosperity for all Deltans”, he further stated.
The familiarisation visit took Chief Izuokumor to Delta Ijaw monarchs including HRH.(Engr.)James Orubu, HRM P.T. Heavens, HRM, Capt Joseph Timiyan, Torubor I Agbonu, HRM Bosu Dio JP, Ayamabulou I and HRM. Gold Tiemo at their palace annexes in Warri, Delta State.
- Vanguard
