Arrested indiscriminate drilling company, not member of our association — Kolawole

Association of Water Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Oyo State chapter, has disassociated itself from the apprehended members of staff of an Indian drilling company, Reddis Drilling Rig, arrested for indiscriminate drilling, at Sabo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier in the week, just as it condemned the action as against environmental law.

Speaking with Tribune Online, the state chairman, Engineer Yinka Kolawole, noted that the drilling company was not a member of the association and that the government should take necessary action in order to curb further violation of the association and state’s regulation.  

Kolawole, however, commended the newly appointed Commissioner for Environment and Natural Recourses, Honourable Idowu Oyeleke for swinging into action to the scene incident to stall the unlawful act.

He also noted that it was time the state government regulate the industry as well as involve the stakeholders to be part of the regulatory strategy in order to sensitise the industry.      

Reacting to the incident, Kolawole told Nigerian Tribune that it was a complete act against environmental law, urging the government not to further condone foreigners to constitute environmental hazards in the state and the country at large with unprofessional act.

“It is unfortunate that this situation is still reoccurring after several efforts by the association and clamours to the government on indiscriminate drilling. I want to commend Honourable Oyeleke for apprehending the perpetrators drilling a borehole on a tarred around Sabo area of Ibadan. We are confident that the action of the commissioner will send a signal to others,” he added.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde over the appointment of Oyeleke as the new commissioner of the ministry, noting that,

“Governor Makinde has indeed appointed a kind of person that can continue the good works of the former commissioner, the late Kehinde Ayoola. Oyeleke’s proactive measure to stall the foreign company from vandalizing government’s property is evidence that he is up for the task,” he said.

The Director of Strategic Planning of the association, Mr Ayo Akinyemi, noted that the association is equipped with trained professionals with strong synergy as well as well-informed with associated organisations and government in carrying out standard operations.

“No AWDROP member will drill a government road. It is an insult to the government and a severe damage to developmental growth of the state. AWDROP has quality and the Federal government has recognised us. We are also working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and National Water Agency and other international bodies. So, we are well-trained and crop of professionals,” he said.

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