Youth leader seeks Govt., oil companies collaboration

A youth leader in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo, Mr Rowland Ogbuka, has urged oil companies in the state to collaborate with the state government in providing infrastructure in the oil bearing areas.

Ogbuka, the Executive Director of a non-governmental organisation, South-East Youths Empowerment Forum, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Sunday.

He said that such cooperation had become imperative considering the developmental needs of the people of the oil producing Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of the state.

It is regrettable that most communities in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta areas do not have good roads, electricity, hospitals, good school buildings and drinkable water,” he said.

Ogbuka said that the activities of the oil companies had posed some environmental, health and socio-economic problems, to the people of the area resulting in youths’ restiveness.

He, however, noted that the state government’s N500 youths empowerment programme for the people of the area had cushioned the effects of the problem.

The youth leader said that oil companies should evolve programmes that would help in tackling youths’ unemployment and restiveness in the area.

He stressed the need for attitudinal change among the youths of the oil bearing communities, noting: “it is necessary to make the people to adopt resourceful and enterprising lifestyles.”

According to him, oil companies operating in the state have abandoned their corporate social responsibilities in a bid to maximise profits.

These companies should take a cue from other multinational companies operating in Rivers State.

In the oil producing communities in that state, the companies help to build gas turbines which supply regular electricity, provide water and good roads,” he said.