Delta State Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has warned youths in the Oil Producing Communities to desist from vandalizing oil facilities in their areas, noting that youth who do such were rebels, as well as sabotaging government effort.
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr ThankGod Trakiriowei, made the remark during a one-day Youth Summit on PROTECTING GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND OIL FACILITIES IN DESOPADE MANDATE AREAS, held at Governor’s Office Annex, Edjeba, Warri.
He said protecting the facilities was paramount as one of the ways of safeguarding the economy from plunging into dire straits.
According to him, “this meeting has become necessary, therefore, to address this latest development and prevent future occurrences. It is my earnest expectation that this forum will exhaustively address this renewed threat to our economic wellbeing, identify remote and immediate causes of the attack, and proffer comprehensive and
measurable plans to ensure that this does not happen again”
“I want to make it abundantly clear that vandalism, oil bunkering, and destruction of our critical infrastructure are not just acts of rebellion; they are also acts of sabotage that will further plunge the economy into dire straits”
“Every pipeline that is damaged, every government property that is destroyed, is a direct assault on our collective prosperity and wellbeing. Today’s summit, therefore, is not just about protecting physical infrastructure. It is also about protecting our aspirations, our future, and the hopes and aspirations of the youth, the leaders of tomorrow”.
“To the youth of the DESOPADEC mandate areas, I want you to know that each protected asset represents a potential job, a potential enterprise, and a potential bright future for you. I, therefore, challenge you to arise and take the protection of these critical assets as your personal responsibility.”
“You must embrace dialogue as the only way to resolve differences. The solution to whatever grievances you may have with the oil companies is not by engaging in acts of violence. Dialogue may appear slow, but it is the surest route to resolving disputes and procuring lasting peace. As you may have heard, no war has ever been won on the battlefield; it is always resolved on the table of dialogue.”
“Furthermore, I urge you to reflect on your actions and attitudes to the presence and operations of oil companies in the DESOPADEC Mandate Areas. It is time we come to terms with the fact that the days of free rent and holding oil companies to ransom are over. It is not only counter-productive, it frustrates government efforts to make Delta State an investment haven.
“In conclusion, I look forward to receiving the proposals and recommendations from this summit.
“I am optimistic that together, we will secure these national assets in the DESOPADEC Mandate Areas. And together, we will build a Delta State that is prosperous, safe, secure, and a beacon of hope for Nigeria. I invite you to join this administration to maintain the peace that we have enjoyed and which has seen Delta retain the first position in oil production. We need to sustain this for the continuous growth of the economy and the benefits accruable to our people.”
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