Ijebu Waterside Club (IWC) has congratulated Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the entire populace of Ogun on the announcement of the commencement of oil and gas exploration.
This significant development, heralded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other key stakeholders in the oil and gas ecosystem of Nigeria, marks a major milestone in the economic growth and development of Ogun State and the nation at large, IWC president Ahmed Tijani said in a statement made available to QEDNG on Thursday.
According to IWC, the decision of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to begin oil and gas exploration in Ogun State is a testament to the region’s potential and the strategic importance of the region within the strategic Dahomey Basin.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts and commitment of key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mr. Osagie Okubor; Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari. Their dedication and vision have paved the way for this transformative initiative.
“For us in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, home to diverse professionals forming the membership base of IWC, we stand in unwavering support and collaboration with the Ogun State Government to ensure the success of this exploration venture. Our region, already recognized for its significant contributions across the agricultural value chain, bitumen production, and other natural resources, is poised to play a strategic role in this new chapter of our state’s development,” Tijani said.
According to him, “We firmly believe that the commencement of oil and gas exploration will not only bolster the economy of Ogun State but also contribute substantially to the national revenue of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which seeks to enhance the development of frontier basins and drive economic prosperity through increased oil and gas reserves.”
Tijani further noted that as the non-political socio-cultural organisation with a membership base evenly spread across the Ogun Waterside LGA, the IWC has commenced strategic consultations towards actionable contributions towards the successful delivery of the planned oil and gas exploration initiatives.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, the IWC reaffirms its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investment and development. We are confident that this exploration will yield significant benefits, including job creation, improved infrastructure, and increased economic activities in our community and beyond,” he said.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government officials, and all stakeholders involved in making this vision a reality. The Ijebu Waterside Club looks forward to a prosperous partnership that will drive sustainable growth and development for Ogun State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
