Mimiko advises oil firms on cordial relationship with hosts

 
The Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday said the state will collaborate with all oil firms operating in the oil-producing communities to sustain the peaceful co-existence between them. Mr Mimiko disclosed this during a meeting with the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited in Akure, the state capital. Chevron, which has been operating in the coastal area of the state, has continued to enjoy a peaceful and mutual relationship with the government and people of the area.

The governor said the relationship between the oil companies and host communities must be strengthened at all times in order to forestall crises that would not augur well for both parties.

He noted that the state remained the most peaceful state in the Niger Delta region of the country, adding that his administration would continue to sustain it for the benefit of the state and the country.

“Let me assure you that we consider you as a worthy partner and we will continue to pursue in a most sincere way to ensure that our interaction, our interest will be of mutual benefit to all of us. Like I said, we've always considered Chevron as a partner in progress and I hope we will maintain that relationship.

“The challenges in our relationship had been sorted out since there is a mutual respect for our mutual interest. I don't see any reason why we cannot continue to be good friends. I'm looking forward to a deeper relationship between Ondo State government and Chevron,” the governor said.

Ready to cooperate
Earlier in his speech, the general manager, Joint Venture Operation of the company, Jide Ajide assured the state government of the readiness of the company to work with it in order to tackle the challenges confronting the people of the coastal area.

Mr Ajide, who commended the cordial relationship between the state government and the company, promised to sustain such a relationship.

Also, the chairman of the state Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Debo Ajimuda, noted that his commission has done everything possible to keep the peace in the area through the provision of infrastructural facilities for the people.