In white attire, Okaighele, Amb. Osagie Omorogie (credit: hilltopnationale.com)
The oil well in Uroho community (credit: hilltopnationale.com)
• Appeals for urgent attention!
From our Correspondent, Benin
Uroho community is in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State and host to an active oil well; but languishes in an unending neglect and exploitation.
Contrary to what is obtained in climes where the system works for the benefits of all; and what is provided for in the ‘Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021’ as amended, Uroho community in all ramifications is alienated by operators of the oil well, and even government.
Weekend, a team of journalists including yours sincerely visited the locality and it was a tale of anguish and abandonment by the people.
In spite of its status as host of an active oil well; rapidly expanding and transitioning to an urban area, modern infrastructure particularly a health centre and good network of roads to tell the story, are absent.
It is always a nightmare for residents during the rainy season hence they are having a sigh of relief, at the approach of the dry season.
https://youtu.be/2kS8Xwmtjw8?si=Y-ZoPQMTQ2QEOeTU
The Okaighele (Youths’ Head), Amb. Osagie Omorogie accompanied by other leaders in the community on behalf of residents narrated their unsavoury story, appealing for the attention of the oil well operators and government; both at the State and local Government levels.
Amb. Friday Constance Ogiesoba narrates; Uroho is connected to several neighbouring communities via the road running through it.
Hence it is very important and deserves all the attention from the State Government, local Government, and operators of the oil well here.
Photo shots of the road running through Uroho community (credit: hilltopnationale.com)
Whenever it rains, residents find it difficult to access their homes due to the bad road network, and flooding. Now many residents are relocating as a result.
“I want to passionately appeal to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo our governor, the Oba of Benin HRM Ewuare II, and EDSOPADEC to come to our aide.
“It will surprise you to know that there are two oil wells here in Uroho yet we are neglected and abandoned. No Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of any sort enjoyed.”
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The Okaighele corroborating the narration of Ogiesoba said the people of Uroho are peace loving, and have resolved not to being violent in the protest of their neglect and abandonment he called; “deliberate,” but would use all legal means possible.
Leading the women folks, Augustina Ikpomwonosa also corroborating narrative of the earlier speakers laments the situation is frustrating and nightmarish particularly during the rainy season.
“We join our leaders to appeal to operators of the oil well here and all relevant authorities to urgently come to our aid.”
The Uroho oil well which was said to had been built in 2002, have its pipelines run through to Ovade in Delta State.
Extract from the PIA 2021 as amended
The reviewed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 benefits host communities by fostering sustainable prosperity, providing direct socio-economic benefits from petroleum operations, and creating a framework for community development through mandatory contributions to a Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT).
Key benefits include funding for infrastructure, education, and environmental protection projects, alongside a goal of enhancing peaceful coexistence between communities and operators.
Key benefits for host communities
Fostering sustainable prosperity: The PIA aims to create sustainable economic growth within host communities.
Direct socio-economic benefits
It ensures communities receive direct benefits from petroleum operations, managed through the HCDT.
Funding for community projects
A major benefit is the creation of the HCDT, which is mandated to fund and execute projects that benefit the community, such as:
Infrastructure development (roads, water supply), Educational advancement, Support for local environmental protection initiatives, Funding for vocational training and agricultural programs.
Promoting peaceful coexistence
The framework is designed to improve the relationship between the oil and gas industry and host communities, encouraging mutual cooperation and a sense of ownership.
Incentivizing stability
By providing a structured development framework, the PIA incentivizes communities to maintain peace and stability, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of operations.
How the benefits are delivered to Host Communities
Development Trust (HCDT): The PIA mandates that petroleum operators contribute financially to an HCDT for the benefit of their host communities.
Governance
The HCDT is managed by a Board of Trustees responsible for allocating funds for community development projects.
Project identification
The HCDT works with community members to identify and implement projects that address the most pressing needs.
Additional report is as sourced from AI on Google
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