President of Isoko Development Union, Youth Wing, Mr Mzee Iraroraina Obokpaino, has called on communities in Isoko nation to channel their oil resources towards the growth and development of Isoko and make it an economic hub of Delta state and beyond through Independent Power Plant, IPP.
This call was made known at the maiden edition of Okugbe-Isoko Economic Youth Summit with the theme, Energy: The Path Way To Societal Development, organized by the youth wing of IDU in Oleh Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Obakpaino, “Isoko is that ethnic nationality that is fantastically blessed with human and natural resources but there is gross underdevelopment despite our massive contribution of oil and gas since its discovery in large quantity.
“We are people living amid plenty and still lacking, we are living in the show of chasing shadows as the state of electricity and we are suggesting and seriously appealing to communities to see the need to invest part of the 3% provided for by the PIA for viable IPP project.
“Isoko nation shall become one great economic community within a space of 10 years with massive production and commercial activities with the abundance of gas and it will attract minimal cost of powering the plant.”
“We are appealing to all stakeholders to synergize with the constituted committee and partner with outside stakeholders so that Isoko attain energy sufficiency to generate alternative energy capable of attracting investors with our abundance of raw materials in the land.”
On his part, the immediate past chairman of Isoko South local government area, Chief Itiako Ikpokpo who was a guest speaker lamented over the attitude of some community leaders toward the power issues affecting Isoko nation.
He said, “Power is life, it’s the foundation of development in every society and it is sad that Nigeria’s economy has crumbled because there is not enough power generation.
“I am urging our lawmakers to domesticate laws on energy distribution in other to boost economic growth and development of the nation and Isoko in particular.”
Also, the president general of Isoko Development Union, Prof Chris Akpotu said, “The best way for development is power and energy and we have taken it as a strategic project and we are putting in place everything possible to achieve this in the shortest possible time.
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“Isoko is a major stakeholder as far as the oil business is concerned in Nigeria because we have the oil and gas as natural resources in abundance, and if we can harness all that is required, the IPP project is a project that we can achieve.
“We are discussing with all necessary agencies and maximising the gain and going into this project, we are very ready to move into the action arena, especially when we have what it takes in terms of the natural resources that are required.
“I know the PIA has not been implemented here in the Isoko sector but we have been able to reach out to all the necessary structures to synergise our thoughts and actualize what we have discussed today”
The highlight of the event was the empowerment of 36 youths from various Isoko communities with starter packs such as sewing machines, hair dryers, generators and materials for fish farming.
Present at the maiden edition of Okugbe Isoko Economic Youth Summit are: The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District Sen.Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Member Representing Isoko South Federal Constituency Hon. Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, CEO Skyward Resources High Chief Eta Enahoro, Barr. Afor Irogbo, Mr. Emmanuel Ofano and Chief Dan Odhomo amongst others.
