In a decisive move to avert brewing tension in the oil-rich Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Council Chairman, Engr. Owolobi Michael Ofori, convened and successfully mediated a crucial stakeholders’ meeting between Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and representatives of its host communities in Anyu (Odual) and Owerewere (Abua).
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Council Chairman, Mr Eeguode Sampson Iyabi, the high-stakes parley was prompted by separate petitions from the affected communities accusing the company of failing to comply with local content provisions, sidelining indigenes in employment opportunities, marginalising duly recognised local contractors, and flouting relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Addressing participants at the well-attended session, Engr. Ofori stressed the need for dialogue over confrontation, warning that allowing grievances to fester could derail the peace and development of the area.
He restated the council’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and harmonious relations between operating companies and their host communities.
The council boss charged Renaissance Africa Energy to immediately redress the concerns by prioritising community-nominated vendors, ensuring equity in contract awards, and expanding employment opportunities for qualified indigenes.
In the same vein, he admonished community leaders and youths to embrace unity and peaceful engagement, noting that only collaboration, not acrimony, would guarantee sustainable development.
Responding, management of Renaissance Africa Energy Company expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the timely intervention and gave firm assurances of improved cooperation. The company pledged to give preference to properly endorsed community vendors and to deepen engagement with authentic leadership structures of the host communities.
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Engr. Ofori, in his closing remark, reaffirmed the local government’s readiness to sustain constructive dialogue with the company to safeguard the rights and entitlements of the people under extant laws.
Present at the meeting were the Chairmen of the Board of Trustees of Anyu and Owerewere communities, representatives of Anyu Community and the Abi Family of Owerewere, as well as top security officers including heads of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the LGA.
The successful mediation has been widely commended as a demonstration of proactive leadership and a template for resolving industry-community disputes in the Niger Delta.
