In line with its strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders in the fight against vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has disclosed plans to partner the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the sensitisation of youths in the region against drug abuse.
The company said the sensitisation would help curb the growing menace of drug abuse and addiction amongst youths in the region which has led many into actions that threaten peace and productivity in the Eastern Corridor.
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, PINL, stated this at its November stakeholders meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bayelsa state.
He said the decision by the company followed request by stakeholders at its previous meeting, stressing that the sensitisation will be carried out in conjunction with the NDLEA.
He said the training would help to strengthen discipline and patriotism amongst young persons in the region.
“We heard the appeal from our royal fathers regarding drug abuse and youth moral reorientation”, he said, adding that PINL had initiated discussions internally on the launching of a joint awareness campaign with NDLEA to sensitize youths on drug abuse, security ethics, and productive behavior.
“This initiative will help strengthen discipline, patriotism, and responsible conduct among our young people, ” he stated.
Dr. Mezeh further informed the stakeholders that it has engaged the services of town criers to ensure proper and timely dissemination of information on activties around the TNP.
The PINL official said their key responsibility would be to enhance communication and intelligence flow around the 215 TNP host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States, adding that their engagement was part of key recommendations by the communities at the last stakeholders meeting.
”Two town criers per community; one man and one woman, have been officially launched. Their responsibilities include: disseminating verified information, supporting sensitization efforts, enhancing early-warning intelligence, acting as communication bridges between PINL contractors and community structures, ” Mezeh stated.
Giving the scorecard of its activities in the last one month, Mezeh said the company has ensured uninterrupted production on the Eastern Corridor by maintaining zero-infractions on the TNP, thus sustaining increase in crude oil and gas production in the corridor.
He informed the stakeholders that in the month of October to November, Bayelsa State recorded no case of vandalism in it’s operational areas.
On security, he said pipeline vandalism attempts reduced by over 87% compared to 2022, stressing that “our surveillance operations and mandate have been extended to cover all oil and gas facilities in a proximity to TNP.
”Community-based intelligence increased from 10.5% to 68%, reflecting deeper trust and stronger cooperation with traditional rulers, youth structures, and contractors”.
He attributed the feat to increased stakeholders engagement and collaboration between the company, its contractors and the communities.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Western Zone, Chief Theophilus Moses commended the company for its commitment to community development through its corporate social responsibility programmes and job creation.
He pledged the support of INC in curbing oil theft and vandalism in the Eastern Corridor
“We appreciate the commitment of the management of PINL to our community development. Let us work together to uplift our people, promote progress and ensure prosperity for all.
Read also:
- Ughelli North LG Chairman urges youths to shun drugs
- operatives intercept ammunition, drugs in Kogi
- Sen. Nwoko says he doesn’t want Regina Daniels back home
“We will support PINL in ending pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Eastern Corridor. INC will continue to collaborate and work together for the sustainability of jobs creation for our youths, our people in our communities and ofcourse those mini-infrastructures as well as your social corporate responsibilities that’s impacting so well in our communities will be supported at all times, ” he assured.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo called on the government and the oil companies to be deliberate about development in the Niger Delta, insisting only that, would bring lasting peace in the region.
He saluted the company for helping to restore their environment through its vigorous fight against pipeline vandalism.
Also speaking, the Director General, Bayelsa State Youth Development Centre, Robert Igali, challenged youths of the state to be development-driven and to maximize the opportunities created by the company such as the scholarship and empowerment schemes to better their lives.
