From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Host Communities of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON), and Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Minerals and Natural Resources (HOSTCONMN) in Kogi, have appealed to the Federal Government to facilitate the establishment of modular refinery in the state.
The groups also called for the establishment of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, office in Kogi State for job creation.
The HOSTCON Chairman in Kogi, His Eminence, Bishop Gabriel Simeon Ojoka, made the call when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, HRM Dr Ado Ibrahim at his Palace in Okene.
Ojoka, who doubles as the Chairman HOSTCON, Northern States Area, commended former President Mohammed Buhari for declaring Kogi as Oil producing state in 2021.
He said the essence of the visit to the royal father was on the discovery of Crude oil in Okegwe in Kogi Central Senatorial district, and the way forward for the unity and development of Kogi communities.
The chairman emphasised that the meeting was to ensure serious deliberations on the participation of Ebira communities in the development of oil and gas in Kogi State.
Ojoka explained that the HOSTCON National Chairman, Dr Mike Emuh, for over 17 years had led the organization to various institutions, arms of government and traditional councils to advocate and educate the society on the provisions of constitution regarding the placement and benefits of the host communities.
He solicited for the royal father’s support in the publicity and advocacy through Orientation and courtesy calls on traditional council meetings at the North Central, and Kogi Central Council to get their attention and involvement in communities’ participation.
Ojoka stressed that their slow participation in the programs of HOSTCON had brought losses as the recruitment of Pipeline security surveillance to protect the on going Ajaokuta, Kaduna, Kano Pipeline construction would have created jobs as well benefited the Host communities if the opportunities was utilized.
According to him, HOSTCON Kogi is allocated 4,500 slots to recruit cadets for the protection of Oil and Gas pipeline and facilities within the State for the past five years and yet with little or no interest in paying for the form let alone the cost for recruitment exercise.
He further requested for the royal father’s recommendation of fifteen (15) man committee from the four of five organs of the administration such as: Traditional arm, Clergy, Women wing, Youth wing and the state executives.
He emphasised that the advocacy sensitization programs of HOSTCON and HOSTCONMN remained a great sacrificial input to conquer community conflict and ensure that marginalization of the Host communities at various level of government is prohibited.
He highlighted their expectations to include: “The traditional council participation in TROMPCON and the dividends accrue to it, and the quick establishment of Modular refinery in Kogi State.
“Creation of Mechanized Agriculture to alleviate the suffering of our communities, the re-establishment of Ajaokuta Steel company for employment and job creation, and Pipeline, Oil and Gas facilities security surveillance recruitment for proper protection.
“The Host Communities of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas Kogi State chapter (HOSTCON) should be gazetted into the State yearly budgetary allocation
“The State Government should consider using HOSTCON as the quickest, closest and cheapest means for grassroots community mobilization for development.
“The various Communities within the State should urgently participate through the registration of their communities for them to fully benefit from the dividends of Oil and Gas in the State.
He highlighted their expectations to include: “The traditional council participation in TROMPCON and the dividends accrue to it, and the quick establishment of Modular refinery in Kogi State.
“Creation of Mechanized Agriculture to alleviate the suffering of our communities, the re-establishment of Ajaokuta Steel company for employment and job creation, and Pipeline, Oil and Gas facilities security surveillance recruitment for proper protection.
“The Host Communities of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas Kogi State chapter (HOSTCON) should be gazetted into the State yearly budgetary allocation
“The State Government should consider using Hostcon as the quickest, closest and cheapest means for grassroots community mobilization for development.
“The various Communities within the State should urgently participate through the registration of their communities for them to fully benefit from the dividends of Oil and Gas in the State.”
In his response, the Ohinoyi commended the leadership of HOSTCON and HOSTCONMN both at the State and National level for all their efforts and the success they have achieved so far.
The paramount ruler said that the agitation for better welfare for the Host communities producing minerals and natural resources was a long awaited achievement for him.
The royal father noted that for 45 years, he had been reviewing a book he wrote on Minerals Prospecting, which could serve as a guide to securing better deals for Nigerian communities producing oil and gas.
He emphasised the need for host communities to fully participate in the development to ensure its success.
