Following the initial oil exploratory activities in Nasarawa state, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced during a courtesy visit to His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, in Lafia the state capital that on March 21, it will begin the drilling of the first oil well in the Obi/Keana area of the state. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mallam Melle Kyari, made the announcement and explained that the company has been conducting exploration in the state since 2010 before technically discovering a petroleum environment there.
They believe there is a high chance of exploring hydrocarbon in the state and want to begin drilling there shortly to verify this. He also said they had high hopes that the drill would succeed. When they locate oil, they will utilize it for the betterment of the community, state, and nation. He explained further that the area around Obi and Keana wouldn’t be the only one explored. There are additional fantastic chances throughout various sections of the state that will become accessible after they test this one. He said this would be a turning point in history and be good for everyone.
Peace and corporation are needed for oil exploration.
Kyari expressed gratitude to the state government and the people for their corporation and urged that it be maintained. In order to successfully explore oil, peace and collaboration are vital. In this regard, there has been a great deal of cooperation, and all parties involved in the area of operation are appreciated. When oil is discovered in sufficient amounts for commercial use, the company, he added, would keep doing its best to provide immediate benefit to the host community and eventually the society as a whole.
Furthermore, Sophia Mbakwe, the NNPC Energy Services Ltd, managing director, said that the government and the Nasarawa stakeholders had given them guarantees that were vital to the company’s operation. They have now received the necessary cooperation, backing, and approval from the Governor and the local community to begin operations. The intention is for it to be advantageous for all sides, and they want to go there to ensure there will be no damage done to people or the environment and that drilling can start on March 21 as scheduled, she added.
The “Ebenyi-A” oil well, the first of its kind, will benefit the state.
In response, the Nasarawa state governor praised the NNPC Leader and his team for visiting the state. He also commended the residents for their help so far and urged them to keep the peace in their community and the rest of the state. He noted that insecurity was a significant barrier to oil exploration in the nation, and he appealed to the residents to support the corporation to make the operation successful. He was optimistic that Nasarawa State would reap many advantages from the drilling of the oil well called “Ebenyi-A.” He also noted that this would be the first of its kind in the North Central region of the nation.
Also, Retired Judge Muhammad Sidi-Bage, the Emir of Lafia, on behalf of the people of Lafia, gave an assurance to NNPC Ltd. that they would provide their full support to ensure the success of the project. He hopes the company will find peace since his people are well-known for their kindness, generosity, and love. According to Sidi-Bage, throughout the time that the operation is being carried out in the state, they will have no cause to feel a different way.
Traditional rulers affirmed their support for the project.
Moreover, all of the state’s traditional rulers also gave their guarantees to them, affirming that their people would maintain peace and cooperation throughout the company’s operation time in the state. Traditional rulers like Alh. Aliyu Dangiwa-Orume, Osuko of Obi; Alh. Umar Apeshi, Osoho of Olosoho (Agwatashi), Alh. Abdullahi Agbo, Osana of Keana; as well as Emir of Lafia, in the person of Retired Justice Muhammad Sidi-Bage, were among those to whom they paid a visit.
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