DELTA State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, urged stakeholders in the country’s mining industry to guard against the negative experiences from oil and gas exploration in the country and learn from such experiences, especially in terms of environmental degradation and youth restiveness.
Okowa said this at the inauguration of Mosra Energy Idowu Falola Coal Mines and ground-breaking for a 600MW Mine-Mouth Coal Power Plant in Ugboba Community in Aniocha North Local Council of the state.
The governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, lauded the impacted communities of Ugboba, Ugbodu, Uku-Nzu and Obomkpa for their support and cooperation and the project partners for their commitment and tenacity, saying his administration had worked very hard to provide enabling environment for private investments to thrive in the state.
Okowa urged Mosra Energy to adhere to the MoU reached with the communities and deal with issues of environmental sustainability, noting that power produced from the plant would impact positively to the social-economic lives of the communities and Nigeria in general.
He charged all parties to continue to maintain peace to enable the power plant take off successfully, stating that Delta State is blessed with numerous mineral resources.
“We are familiar with oil and gas, because it is the main stay of the economy. Coal is another mineral resource that is abundant in commercial quantities to drive economic activities.
“As we lay the foundation for this power plant, we should remember the lessons learnt from oil and gas exploration as it pertains to environmental degradation and youth restiveness.
“I urge the management of Mosra Energy to adhere to the terms of any MoU reached amicably with the critical stakeholders and also deal with issues of environmental protection with a view to maintaining industry standards.
“In the same vein, the communities should not be overbearing in their demands. There must be a balance struck to keep work going smoothly,” he said.
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, commended the state government for its support for the project, adding that host communities must be the first beneficiaries of the project and remain the focal points in the mining industry; hence their support must be sought before commencement of mining activities.
He commended Mosra Energy for its effort, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to give support and incentives for more investment in the mining sector.
Welcoming guests earlier, Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos, said the project was a step towards meeting the energy needs of the country and lauded the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for its partnership and continued support towards attracting more investors into the mining sector.
He commended Okowa and the host communities for their commitment in ensuring enabling peace for the company to operate, saying construction work would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the host communities and people of the area.
In his remarks, the Obi of Ugboba Kingdom, Obi Ezedimbu Nkebakwu, commended the company and all stakeholders for their support in bringing the project to fruition, pledging the support and cooperation of the host communities towards the completion of the project.
The ground-breaking was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, top government officials and traditional rulers, among others.
