Edo communities promise to protect oil firm from attacks

IMPRESSED by the numerous corporate social pesponsibility projects and contribution of Sahara Energy to the development of Ajoki and Ajamimogha communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, the indigenes have promised to protect the oil company’s facilities and operations.

The pledge came on the backdrop of threats by the neighbouring communities to disrupt the operation of the oil company over alleged under development and marginalisation.

In a rare show of support, the spokesman, who also doubles as the youth chairman for  Ajoki community, Mr. Isaac Ajatiton, said they were  at peace with the operations of Sahara Energy because many of their youths had been employed.

Ajatiton said what the villagers were after was  development which could only take place when there was  peace between the firms and host communities.

The youth chairman disclosed that Sahara Energy had helped to extend electricity to the host communities, given scholarships to deserving students and also helped to facilitate the provision of medical care for the elderly.

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Ajatiton said, “we are very happy with Sahara Energy operations. The company has no problem in our community. Most of the things we asked them to do have been done.”

Speaking in the same vein, the spokesman for Ajamimogha and trustee president, Mr. BawoOtikpere, added that as a show of  appreciation for the good work of the  oil firms, the locals had  resolved to protect the facilities of Sahara Energy and other oil firms in their community.

He said, “we have received many good things from Sahara Energy, our people are happy and we want them to do more.”

As part of its host community capacity development and youth empowerment projects,  the oil company has helped to drive economic growth through the award of service contracts and supply of materials and equipment required for the company’s operations.