The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, on Thursday, led a delegation from the oil and gas industry to the Niger Delta to seek support for the protection of oil and gas installations in the country.
Kyari who was accompanied by top officials of the NNPC visited the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; and the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II and other respected traditional rulers in the Niger Delta.
The NNPC GMD arrived the Niger Delta with the Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti; Engr. Monday Ovuede, Director, NNPC/CNL JV; Engr. Cosmos Iwueze, General Manager JV Operations; Mr. Brikinn Esimaje, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), CNL, among others.
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The traditional rulers present during the courtesy visit include: HRM Egbesuwei Gbanraun X (Agadagba), Paramount Ruler & Pere Of Ijo-Gbanraun Kingdom; HRM Ovie Monday Obokohwo Whiskey, Paramount Ruler Of Idjerhe Kingdom; HRM, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrach Erebulu Aduo III, Pere & Paramount Ruler Of Kabowei Kingdom; HRM Funpere .G. Akah; Ebedawei of Gbanraun Kingdom; HRM Godwin Ogonoyibo, Alagbabinafa III; Pere & Paramount Ruler of Olodiama Kingdom; HRM Ogonikara Eseimokumo 1, Okirimini; Paramount Ruler & Oguruyeke Of Tubutoru Kingdom; HRM Beri Apoi 111 Oki, Kalasuo Of Ukomu Kingdom; notable chiefs, women, youths, among others.
Speaking at the meeting in Gbaramatu Kingdom, the NNPC GMD said that the development of the Niger Delta can be achieved under an atmosphere of cooperation by all stakeholders.
To achieve this development, Kyari specifically explained further that apart from synergy among the right people, the Communities and institutions within the region, the protection of oil and gas facilities was vital.
He said:
Your Royal Majesty, many things must happen to bring lasting peace to this community and to bring development and prosperity to the Niger Delta. And we cannot achieve this except with cooperation with the right people, except there is synergy with the right people, except there is synergy with all institutions and people that are involved in all the process.
We appreciate the enormous work and support that you are doing. And this will bring two things. Once we engage and agree on a process in making sure that the facilities that will create the wealth are safe,we are able to have a process where the Communities are directly engaged and to also make sure that we empower the young people in the Niger Delta and also empower companies that are capable to create all the facilities that are necessary, then I can tell you that the promises that we talked about can be possible for all of us.
He also said that the Corporation will work with its partners in the oil and gas industry to equip the Maritime University.
He said:
I am aware of the issue that has been raised on the Maritime University and we are talking with the management of the University as NNPC to see how we can support them.
More importantly, our partners are here, I’m speaking on behalf of all of them and we will write the industry to see how we can support the Maritime university.
He also said that the NNPC will continue to work with stakeholders to bring development to the Ijaw nation.
Your majesty, I can confirm to you that we will work very closely with the Ijaw nation and all the High Chiefs that are here and your Royal Majesties so that we can bring the best thing that is possible for this community.
We are very happy to be here, we are very honoured to be here your Royal Majesty, take it that I am your son and we will do everything to bring progress to this community.
