Oil communities pledge assistance to end militancy in N/Delta

OIL and gas host communities have pledged to work in collaboration with oil and gas companies in the country to end insecurity, youth restiveness and militancy in the states troubled by restiveness.
The communities under the auspices of Oil and Gas Host Communities Association have also pledged to work towards harnessing the potentials of the oil-rich states to ensure that they are adequately engaged and empowered.
In a statement, the association’s spokesperson, Franklyn Nneji, noted that the major cause of insecurity, youth restiveness and militancy remained idleness.
It expressed dissatisfaction that youths of the host communities remained unemployed.
He said, “It may be difficult for them to be employed but the surest way for them to be engaged is through self-employment, but then, how can they be self-employed without technical and financial support?”
The spokesperson went further to say that, “Oil and Gas Host Communities Association will fulfil its mandate, which include encouraging education of the people of the host communities.
“It will also source for available amenities for the people of the host communities and encourage entrepreneurship among the people of the Host Communities.
“This is in addition to ensuring that all youths in the host communities are meaningfully empowered, protected, defended and made to take charge of their destiny.
“The Oil and Gas Host Communities Association will make this possible by liaising with the necessary organs of government, multinationals, oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria and also ensuring that all conflicts are resolved through dialogue.
“The association is currently taking steps to identify the people of the host communities and it is also providing Strategic Advanced Leadership Training (SALT) to all project contact persons within the host communities.
“This is a complete change of strategy to ensure that everybody within the host communities benefits from the oil and gas companies operating within their environs.”