Isoko Unity Foundation (IUF) has lauded the leadership of the 10th Senate over the appointment of a prominent son of Isoko Nation, Joel Onowakpo, member representing Delta South Senatorial District, as the Chairman of the Local Content Committee.

The Director General of IUF, Miller Akpoili, who, on behalf of the group, gave the commendation in a statement issued immediately after the announcement of the appointment by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also called for collaborative efforts within constituent of Isoko and the Niger Delta region at large.

Akpoili said the appointment of Onowhakpo as the Chairman of the Local Content Committee of the Senate is a testament to the greatness and development that will be enjoyed by the Isoko nation, as the new office of the Senator will not only provide ample opportunity for interaction among stakeholders in the oil exploration sector but also influence infrastructural development, empowerment as well as curb the marginalisation of oil host communities which Isoko and the entire Niger Delta region have suffered since 1958 when commercial oil exploration started in Nigeria.

He said: “Over the years, the Niger Delta region has always contributed to the revenue generation of the country, and the contribution of the region to the economic development of the nation can’t be overemphasised, but not enough has come to major oil communities like Isoko and the Niger Delta in terms of commensurate development. Onowakpo stands on the bridge to redress this obvious anomaly perpetuated from the centre.”