Akeredolu seeks support of Bitumen host communities

Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Saturday urged bitumen host communities in the Southern district of the state to cooperate with the state government as the exploration of bitumen set to begin

Akeredolu specifically called on youths in the communities to shun vandalization of bitumen exploration facilities on sites.

He was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Prof Bayonile Ademodi at a programme tagged “Interactive Session with Bitumen Host Communities” in Okitipupa Local Government Areas (LGA)

He promised that all host communities would benefit immensely through rapid development, direct and indirect employment.

His words “We are appealing to our youths to shun all forms of violence and vandalism of workers and instruments of exploration company who will come to our communities to explore bitumen.

“We have concluded necessary arrangements to ensure that all host communities with bitumen benefit immensely from the exploration,” Akeredolu said.

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While responding, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Michael Adetoye said government should ensure that due process was followed and ensure all communities are beneficiaries of without fear or favour.

He urged youths in various communities to cooperate with the government for them to benefit from the bitumen exploration.

According to the monarch, “I have heard about this bitumen since i was in primary school, I only urge the government to be sincere with the exploration and develop the communities as promised.

A stakeholder, Chief John Oyedeyi said that government must sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on how royalties would be paid to all communities if their cash crops and farm produce were affected by the exploration.

Another stakeholder, Gbenga Olowokanga said government should ensure that the employment promises to the youths were kept in order not to create crisis like that of Niger-Delta where people struggle over crude oil exploration.

Traditional rulers, chiefs, youths and all other stakeholders were in attendance to partake in the one day interactive session held at the Okitipupa LGA Secretariat.