Govt Accuses Firm Of Neglecting Host Communities

THE Imo State Government has accused the authorities of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) of neglecting its host communities in the state, majorly, communities in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Councils.

The Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, who stated this during the 19th Farmers Day celebration held at Green River Project Plant Propagation Centre in Ogba-Egbema, Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State, alleged that nothing concrete had been demonstrated by the company to show their presence in the communities.

He expressed ill feelings that it was the first time the state government was being represented at such forum, despite claims by the company that it has covered over 120 rural communities, empowering 35,000 farmers and building capacity of the people.

He asked, “Where is the place of Imo State in the whole statistics,” urging the multinational oil firm to look into issues of oil pollution in the communities.
 
Speaking, the chairman and Managing Director of the NAOC, Mr. Ciro Antonio, accompanied by his vice, Massimo Insulla, said the project was for the four states with stakeholder status: Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Imo States.

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sunny Echono, in their speeches, commended the authorities of NAOC for the project, which offers farmers the opportunities to champion such course for more exposure.