Mkpoikana Udoma
13 February 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — Oil bearing communities in Ogoniland have said that indigenous oil companies relate better with the people of the host communities than international oil companies.
To this end, the oil-bearing communities in Ogoniland have endorsed Belemaoil Producing Limited to commence oil exploration in the area.
Speaking, the President of oil-bearing communities in Ogoniland, Chief Donald Gberesu, explained that the choice of Belemaoil company for oil exploration in Ogoniland would benefit the people.
Gberesu advised the people of Ogoni to only allow an indigenous firm who has the capacity to create wealth for Ogoniland to tap the oil wealth of Ogoni.
He said Belemaoil has a business model of creating wealth for the people of its host communities, provide employment and make the host communities a part of the company.
According to him, “Belemaoil Producing Limited has an advantage in terms of high-level of consultation, community partnership and participatory model, which attempts to address the yearning for employment, capacity building and wealth creation in Ogoni communities.
“The Belemaoil model has attracted voluntary acceptance of Belemaoil Producing Limited, which has transcended to the writing of memorandum of understanding by individual communities in Ogoniland.
“As at today, several Ogoni youths are currently on the employment with Belemaoil at different levels, while six Ogonis have been awarded oversea’s scholarship which they are also studying different degrees in universities around the world.”
He further disclosed that Belemaoil which has not yet gotten the license to operate in Ogoniland was already carrying along Ogoni communities.
“You will also recall that in 2014, 800 bags of fertilizer with some cash awards, was donated to farmers in K-Dere by Belemaoil,” Chief Gberesu said.
