By David Owei

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, joined former President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders, to reflect on the cost and benefits of oil exploration in the Niger Delta with a call on stakeholders to chart a better future for the region.

The leaders spoke at the opening of the 2026 Sweet Crude Dialogue held at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Towers in Yenagoa.

The Sweet Crude Dialogue, themed “Through the Python’s Eye: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria,” brought together industry players, the academia and top government functionaries.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi said the Chief Host, Senator Douye Diri represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, decried the level of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and called on well-meaning organizations to work towards achieving justice for the region.

Quoting the report of the defunct Archbishop John Sentamu-led Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission, the Governor said about 13 million barrels of crude were spilled in the region between 1958, when Nigeria made her first shipment of crude, and 2010.

Describing the Commission’s findings as “sobering,” he said the Chairman described what had happened to the state as “nothing short of an environmental genocide.”

The Governor therefore urged De Mangrove Conversations and other environmental advocacy groups to collaborate with government to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission.

His words “The State Government has embraced the Commission’s findings, and the Governor has asked me to reaffirm, in the clearest terms, this administration’s commitment to environmental justice, the remediation of our lands and waters, the restoration of livelihoods, and a just energy transition in which the communities that bore the burdens of the oil age are not abandoned at its close.

“A report of such weight must not remain on the shelf, and government cannot carry this responsibility alone.

“The Bayelsa State Government, therefore, calls on De Mangrove Conversations and all environmental advocacy organizations, especially those working across the Niger Delta, to align their efforts with the implementation of the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission.”

In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria could only make appreciable progress in the oil industry if most of the requirements for oil production were sourced locally.

He noted that mere export of crude oil would not lead to economic diversification or sufficient job creation.

“If we cannot develop or produce some of these things used in the oil industry within the country, we will not achieve anything significant in the oil industry. It is not just about selling of the crude oil.

“Yes, we earn money from that but that does not diversify the economy and create enough jobs. What will diversify your economy is the industrial aspects of the operations of the oil industry.

“That’s why I am happy with the local content board law my administration enacted in 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. With these two pieces of legislation and if they are followed to the letter with amendments where necessary, I believe things will be much better,” Jonathan said.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor of Comparative Petroleum and International Law and Policy, Prof. Ibibia Worika, said 70 years of oil production had generated unprecedented wealth for Nigeria but also exposed structural weaknesses in governance.

Prof. Worika added that the Niger Delta, which bears the brunt of oil production, has little to show for its contribution, stressing that environmental justice for the region is “a constitutional, moral and developmental imperative.

According to him, “instead of serving as a catalyst for economic diversification, petroleum gradually replaced agriculture, weakened manufacturing and encouraged dependency on resource rent.

“The Niger Delta has always borne the burden of oil production. The tragedy of the Niger Delta reminds us that development cannot be measured by revenue generation alone. And that development must necessarily improve the wellbeing of the people as well as protect the environment,” he said.

The Governor of Delta State, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, was among those who delivered goodwill messages at the two-day event.

The Dialogue also featured a plenary session with panelists including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Pastor James Oworibo; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Godknows Igali, represented by Prof. Stephen Olali; Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Dimie Ogoina; Prof. Ibaba Samuel Ibaba of Niger Delta University; and Managing Director of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, represented by Barr. Esueme Kikile.

The session was moderated by a Professor of Nuclear Engineering and former Director General of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Franklin Osaisai.

‎
‎By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo
‎
‎The Anua Offot Village Council in Uyo LGA have collaborated with stakeholders in the community to fight against destruction of properties at Holy Child Convent School and Boys School Anua as well as the neighborhood.
‎
‎The resolutions was reached at the palace of the Village Head over the week with critical stakeholders participated at the meeting which includes the village head, chairman of the village council, the Okuku Anua Offot, family heads, youth leader, some security personnels from the community, representative of the Catholic Church, and the two schools.
‎
‎Addressing the meeting, the village head of Anua Offot, Eteidung Linus Inyang harped on the need to secure the school environment based on incessant reports of insecurity cases and destruction of the school properties.
‎Chief Inyang called on stakeholders to rally support and resources to protect lives and properties within the school environment, noting that public properties like school and hospital are pride of the community and should be preserved.
‎Speaking, the Youth leader of Anua Offot, Obong Uduak Edim noted that there has been recurrent dismantling of the school building roofing sheets and stressed need for collaboration between the community, the church and school to provide security personnels to guard the premises while all parties bears the costs.
‎
‎Speaking on behalf of those securing the environment, Mr Emmanuel John Effiong recalled how some suspected persons allegedly entered the school premises to destroy the building and castaway the roofing sheets and irons, and Edim was of the opinion that those living within the school environment should be attentive and report suspicious movement to the village council and security personnels within.
‎The Chairman of Pastoral Council Catholic Church, Michael Ibanga disclosed that destruction of the school properties had been going on for a long time especially at night and raining time, he highlighted some of the hideouts usually used by the suspected elements parading the axis. He sued for partnership between Anua Offot, Ekpri Nsukara Offot and Ikot Oku Idio Offot who shared boundaries to safeguard the school environment.
‎Reacting, the head mistress of Boys School MMA Elizabeth Asunah and that of Holy Child Convent School, MMA Aniema Uboh both commended the village head, and his council members for the initiative and promised to work with them to provide the needed logistics and resources and collaboration to achieve the safety of the place for the benefits of all  those concerned.
‎Meanwhile the chairman of the village council, Chief Bassey Ekpeowo lauded the move and tasked all parties to be up and doing.
‎
‎By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo
‎
‎The Anua Offot Village Council in Uyo LGA have collaborated with stakeholders in the community to fight against destruction of properties at Holy Child Convent School and Boys School Anua as well as the neighborhood.
‎
‎The resolutions was reached at the palace of the Village Head over the week with critical stakeholders participated at the meeting which includes the village head, chairman of the village council, the Okuku Anua Offot, family heads, youth leader, some security personnels from the community, representative of the Catholic Church, and the two schools.
‎
‎Addressing the meeting, the village head of Anua Offot, Eteidung Linus Inyang harped on the need to secure the school environment based on incessant reports of insecurity cases and destruction of the school properties.
‎Chief Inyang called on stakeholders to rally support and resources to protect lives and properties within the school environment, noting that public properties like school and hospital are pride of the community and should be preserved.
‎Speaking, the Youth leader of Anua Offot, Obong Uduak Edim noted that there has been recurrent dismantling of the school building roofing sheets and stressed need for collaboration between the community, the church and school to provide security personnels to guard the premises while all parties bears the costs.
‎
‎Speaking on behalf of those securing the environment, Mr Emmanuel John Effiong recalled how some suspected persons allegedly entered the school premises to destroy the building and castaway the roofing sheets and irons, and Edim was of the opinion that those living within the school environment should be attentive and report suspicious movement to the village council and security personnels within.
‎The Chairman of Pastoral Council Catholic Church, Michael Ibanga disclosed that destruction of the school properties had been going on for a long time especially at night and raining time, he highlighted some of the hideouts usually used by the suspected elements parading the axis. He sued for partnership between Anua Offot, Ekpri Nsukara Offot and Ikot Oku Idio Offot who shared boundaries to safeguard the school environment.
‎Reacting, the head mistress of Boys School MMA Elizabeth Asunah and that of Holy Child Convent School, MMA Aniema Uboh both commended the village head, and his council members for the initiative and promised to work with them to provide the needed logistics and resources and collaboration to achieve the safety of the place for the benefits of all  those concerned.
‎Meanwhile the chairman of the village council, Chief Bassey Ekpeowo lauded the move and tasked all parties to be up and doing.
‎

By David Owei

The National Executive Council (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON Youth Council) has commended the Global Services Limited (GGSL) for strategic protection of critical oil and gas assets, effective host community engagement, employment opportunities, Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

According to the HOSTCON Youth Council has stood out as an indigenous company known for humanitarian interventions and inclusive stakeholder partnerships have made remarkable contributions to peace, security, and sustainable development across its operational areas.

The National President of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON Youth Council)
Snr. Comr. Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder (AKA Gen. Osama) at the conclusion of their Annual Mid-Term Review Meeting held in Abuja, said after a proper review of the activities and operations of indigenous companies engaged in the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta host communities,Grosvenor Global Services Limited (GGSL) was rated exceptional.

He said the Council particularly applauded the exemplary leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Asiwaju Engr. Prince Olusoji Olatunji, whose transparent, inclusive, visionary, and people-oriented leadership has distinguished Grosvenor Global Services Limited as a model indigenous company.

According to him, the National Executive Council and Board of Trustees unanimously commended and endorsed his exceptional foresight, transformational leadership, and outstanding commitment to host community development, and hereby unanimously pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership and stewardship”

They described him as a patriotic statesman, an outstanding corporate leader, and a dependable partner in Nigeria’s oil and gas asset protection whose leadership qualities deserve to be emulated by all indigenous and multinational oil and gas companies operating within the Niger Delta region.

The Council further called on all operators in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to emulate this transparent and inclusive leadership model by strengthening host community partnerships, expanding community empowerment initiatives, and promoting responsible corporate governance as the foundation for sustainable peace, increased crude oil production, and the long-term protection of Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas assets.

The HOSTCON Youth Council also highlighted the achievements of the Grosvenor Global Services Limited (GGSL) under the leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Asiwaju Engr. Prince Olusoji Olatunji, to include successful expansion of the firm into a premier global services brand in Nigeria.

“He also serves as Chairman/CEO of Tratun Energy Limited and Executive Director at Regions Oil and Gas.National Impact: His firm’s interventions in pipeline security have been highly commended for reducing crude oil theft and protecting critical energy infrastructure in the Niger Delta”

“The foundation runs mass distributions of notebooks, textbooks, and essential school supplies to students.Youth Mentoring: Recognized for youth development, he has received various awards, including the prestigious Delta Role Model Award for Youth Empowerment.Community.”

” His philanthropic gestures span youth-oriented entertainment and sporting sponsorships to uplift communities, along with regular palliative distributions to indigent families.”

The group also identified that due to the paternal affinity of the Asiwaju Engr. Prince Olusoji Olatunji to Delta State, the Urhobo host communities have been direct beneficiaries of his corporate and personal initiatives including the establishment of the corporate headquarters of Grosvenor Global Services Limited and Tratun Energy Limited right off the DSC Expressway in Otokutu, bringing significant commercial traffic, infrastructure visibility, and local employment to the area.

The group also noted that the personal health Outreach Programs of Asiwaju Engr. Prince Olusoji Olatunji known as PROOF, health care program have been executed extensive healthcare initiatives spanning over 50 communities across the Niger Delta region, providing medical checkups, drugs, and health supplies to vulnerable local populations.