Okowa attributes oil output fall to lack of peace

By Elo Edremoda

The Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has attributed the dwindling oil output in the state to lack of peace triggered by resurged militancy.

The governor disclosed this Tuesday, at the palace of the Okobaro of Ughievwen kingdom, HRM Ediri Egbi, Owahwa ll, in Ughelli South council area, after inspecting and commissioning some rehabilitated road projects in the area.

Okowa who hammered on the need for peace across communities in the state said Delta ranked first among oil producing states in the nation, until the uprise of militant activities two years ago.

Addressing the gathering, Okowa said, "we are hopeful that peace will return in the next few weeks. Delta is number four in terms of oil production and that should not be our fate. We used to be number one before dropping to number two. If we continue to ensure the peace, we will rise to number two and in the near future, we will be number one," Dr. Okowa said. 

He further called for partnership and cooperation among neighbouring kingdoms to ensure and sustain peace all around.

The Okobaro of Ughievwen, while commending the governor for ensuring development across the council area, however implored the assistance of the state government on youth engagement, as well as environmental issues.

"Government should look inward to the issues of engaging youths as a number of times, there has been demonstrations to the palace. But on our part, we will continue to make sure that there is peace. 

"Then, this place gets flooded when it rains. The river is blocked and we need quick attention from government so that the water can flow through," Owahwa ll noted. 

Some inspected and commissioned projects include the Okpare-Umolo-Ovwodokpokpor-Kiagbodo road, Osubi Airport Dual Road among others.