Niger Delta communities seek 50% oil bloc from government

• Okowa tasks U.K over unemployment in region
• NGO chides govt over failure to stop gas flaring

Host Communities of Nigeria Oil and Gas Producing areas (HOSTCOM) have demanded 50 per cent of oil blocs awarded in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking through the Urhobo ethnic nationality chapter of HOSTCOM, chairman, Festus Pemu also asked multinational oil companies to relocate to their operating communities as demanded by the local content law.

Pemu said: “At present no oil bloc is owned by an indigene of oil producing communities. This is unfair and needs to be corrected.”

He also called for the immediate approval of pipeline surveillance jobs to the host communities, as they are most suited to do it effectively.

To consolidate on the existing peace, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the United Kingdom and other countries, which have stakes in the region to invest in employment generating ventures.

Speaking when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, Okowa said: “Anything that will create more job opportunities for the youths should be encouraged.”

The governor said cases of pipeline vandalism were limited to the creeks of the state.

Arkwright in his speech said he was in the state to explore areas of economic benefits for the U.K., declaring that Delta was one of the key states in the country

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization group, Kovenium/mmalah Foundation (KIF) in Delta State has chided government over its failure to stop gas flaring in oil communities.

Executive Director of the NGO, Faith Nwandishi, told journalists in Asaba, yesterday that gas flaring had wreaked havoc in Ndokwa East, West, Ughelli, Ogwashi-Uku and Ozoro, with no fewer than 132 persons feared killed in 2015 and 2016.

The Udefi Oba Oloye of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Clement Maleghemi has urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to fulfill all the promises he made during his meeting with youths.

Maleghemi made the appeal while speaking on the significance of Udefi Day celebration at Ugbolokppso, Uvwie Local Government Council at the weekend.