Okpobor Tasks Petroleum Stakeholders on Stronger Delta Agenda

Stakeholders in the Petroleum sector have been charged to carry out their business activities in line with regulations laid down by government to ensure rapid economic growth.

Mr Oghenekome Okpobor, the Executive Assistant (EA) on Petroleum Monitoring to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, stated this in Asaba while appraising the Stronger Delta agenda of the State Government, noting that the effective collaboration of these stakeholders means strong economy for Delta State.

Okpobor said, “the vision of Governor Okowa for a Stronger Delta, needs the support of all stakeholders especially those in the Petroleum sector as it is the major revenue contributor to the Nation’s economy. As an appointee in his administration in charge of Petroleum Monitoring, I am calling all players in that sector to give their support to his vision.

“We all rely on Oil to run businesses and homes in Nigeria, Deltans who bear the brunt of the exploration and exploitation by International Oil Companies and Oil Marketers should not be treated as captured people. Qualified Deltans should not be denied employment opportunities in their organizations, Oil companies should also consolidate in their areas of operations by providing basic amenities to Host Communities through Corporate Social Responsibility programs.”

He further called on the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to live up to it’s functions of checkmating activities of Petrol Stations who are in the business of short-changing Deltans with deceptive pump rates and always ascertain the status of Petroleum Trucks before leaving depots inorder to forestall any occurrences of explosions or accidents.

On smuggling of Oil products widely known as oil-bunkering, operation of illegal refineries and indiscriminate parking by tanker drivers, the Executive Assistant promised to interface with Security Agencies, Petroleum Unions and major marketers in the State inorder to create synergy in shutting loopholes which causes loss of revenue to Delta State and Nigeria.

Oghenekome Okpobor thanked Governor Okowa for finding him worthy to be appointed in his administration and promised to bring his experience to bear in his present office and other duties.