GOVERNOR James Ibori of Delta State yesterday asked oil companies operating in the state to wake up to their social responsibilities for their host communities to stem the unrest in the Niger-Delta region.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue spoke at the commissioning of the Egbo-Uhurie health centre in Ughelli South local government area, valued at N55million, built by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to provide healthcare for residents of at least six communities in the state.
Commending the company for the state-of-the-art health facility, the goveror said the company could not have done otherwise, as anything short of it was capable of a creating a big gulf between it and its communities.
Chief Ibori hailed the SPDC for joining hands with the state Government since 1999 to provide basic amenities to Deltans. In his words, �laudable programmes of SPDC are recommended to other oil companies so that the areas where they operate and actually be part of their operations. Since 1999 when we came on board, we ensured that our philosophy will be based on equitable development and sustained peace throughout the state so that we can earn more from our God-given wealth�.
The governor added, �therefore, I do not see any reason why the oil companies cannot provide this enabling environment, these projects so that the communities themselves would feel as part of their operations. If all oil companies can provide their hosts with basic amenities, I can assure you that Nigeria and indeed Delta State will be the safest region for oil exploration and oil development. Please, Shell, keep the flag flying, continue to show the way to others, to Chevron, to Agip in particular, all of them�.