In a bid to ensure proper utilization of abundant coal deposits in the Ugboba community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode has visited the area, saying he is interested in seeing that the mining activities are done in an ecologically friendly manner while benefitting all stakeholders, including the host community.
Oyibode disclosed this on Monday during a working visit to a coal mining company in the Ugboba Community in Aniocha North Local Government Area in the state.
Oyibode during a stopover at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ugboba, HRM, Obi Ezedimbu III, urged the host community to take advantage of the ministry’s intermediary role whenever the need arises, just as he informed the people that the administration of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a responsive government, is supportive of the aspirations of host communities for a mutually beneficial exploration of the mineral resources in their land.
Oyibode assured the mining company, Mosra Energy Limited of the state government’s supportive role in the industry, including the creation of peace and security and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business for both local and foreign investors in line with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
Oyibode while inspecting the mining site, comprising the coal pit and other areas, wanted to know when the coal-powered power plant promised by the company will come on stream, as well as some indigenes of the host community at the management level and to what extent they have discharged their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the community.
The site manager, Mr. Ishola Emmanuel said that the power plant project will soon be up and running, while the Commissioner said they should feel free to ask for the ministry’s support where necessary.
On employment, Ishola said the high-ranking staff, including himself, were sent from the company’s corporate head office in Abuja, but that the existing vacancies for a medical doctor, nurse and lab scientist will be filled from within the community. Oyibode urged the company to keep to its word as the ministry is serious about the adoption of local content in recruitment.
Speaking on its CSR initiatives, Ishola said the company recently constructed a borehole in the community to ease water supply, among others insisting that it is not responsible for the poor state of the stream water, saying that “the company does not generate any wastes, besides, the mining site is far away from the river.”
Alongside the commissioner were the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frank Omoko, Directors and staff of the Delta State Ministry of Oil and Gas.
It was gathered that Mosra Energy Limited has a coal mining license covering four communities, stretching 11.6 km of land, but is presently working at the Ugboba mining site.
The Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode (JP), the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the ministry and staff of Mosra Energy Limited at the coal mining site at Ugboba community.
