A Bill to Abolish Illegal Development Levies

 At The Communities Level

A bill to abolish Illegal Development levies at the Communities level is on the way to the Delta State House of Assembly for passage. The bill will stop illegal collections of development levies by communities from Oil Companies and Property Developers.

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa accompanied by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Monday Igbuya disclosed this at Ugborhen in Sapele Local government area on the 22^nd March 2017, while addressing members of the community at the newly commissioned ultra-modern Civic Centre.

The Governor admitted that illegal collection of development levies has hampered the growth of many communities in the state and it has also increased the cost of executing projects by individuals, government and private organizations revealing that plans are in top gear by his administration to sponsor an executives bill to the state Assembly to give legislative backing of these illegal levies.

The governor commanded the exemplary partnership between Seplat Petroleum Development Company and Ugborhen Community and urged other Oil Companies to emulate the partnership while using the medium to advice Seplat to listen to the request of the community by providing employment for the youths of the area in line with the constitution.

The governor also commissioned a 13.6 kilometers township road network, a solar power water project, two blocks of four classrooms with a Science Laboratory at Abaka Grammar School executed by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc. in partnership with the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom Orhue I, in his address, thanked Governor Okowa for his developmental strides across the state. While commending Seplat for the various projects which he acknowledged have transformed the landscape of the community, the traditional ruler called on the oil company to provide employment opportunities for both skilled, semi-skilled members of the community.

Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum Limited Engr. Austin Avuru said the company was proud of the community for being good partners in the last 6years of their operations in the area.

 from right; Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, CFR mni, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, during the Commissioning OFUgborhen-Ultra Modern Tawn Hall and Civil Center.