By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Members of Host Communities Of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Anambra State Chapter, recently inaugurated executive committee members, with High Chief Victor Emeka decorated as chairman for a second term.
In his address,the HOSTCOM Chairman, Chief Emeka recalled that in 2012, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan came to Anambra State and commissioned the Orient Petroleum Exploration in Aguleri-Otu, after which the state started making presentation to the National Assembly and taking part in all activities among the Niger Delta regions.
According to him, Ndi Anambra then, were in observers status because they have not started producing oil and gas in commercial quantities; and through the efforts of HOSTCOM in the state, Anambra is now fully integrated and the state has started receiving the 13% oil derivation funds accruing from oil and gas productions.
He highlighted issues relating to pipeline surveillance, youth engagement on meaningful activities, and engaging youths from oil and gas bearing communities in agricultural development as the organisation’s areas of focus.
He disclosed that the Anambra State Chapter of HOSTCOM, under his leadership, has totally eradicated the menace of deceit, dumping, extortions that are associated with some criminals using HOSTCOM as platform to execute some of their evil agenda.
He informed that the Commissioner of Petroleum & Natural Resources, in collaboration with HOSTCOM has done marvelously well in checkmating the activities of those criminal elements parading as officials of HOSTCOM, having made it clear that the only authorised body that government should be dealing with is the one under his leadership.
He thanked Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his support and involvement and prayed God to protect him throughout his tenure and always.
Answering questions from journalists on the relationship between HOSTCOM and Government, Imo State HOSTCOM Chairman, Evang.(Mrs.)Joy Ifeoma Anozie, , advised Ndi Anambra to come out and cooperate with HOSTCOM.
She also appealed to Anambra State Government to carry HOSTCOM along for them to achieve their goals.
The HOSTCOM National Woman Leader, Hon.(Mrs.) Roseline Orubabo, called on the Federal Government to introduce commissions in the states so that HOSTCOM will get access to it.
Also, responding to the press, the National President of HOSTCOM, Dr.Benjamin stressed the need for President Tinubu to go for the second tenure based on his achievement within few years in office.
The Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of HOSTCOM, Elder Dr.Albert Charles Awotu, called on government to help HOSTCOM so that there will be massive employment, adding that without government assistance, HOSTCOM will find it difficult in tackling challenges.
HOSTCOM Director , Contact and Mobilization/Director Special Duties, Anambra State Chapter, Amb.Victor Uba Ude Ubaka, said that what other states enjoy is what they want to enjoy, which is to encourage HOSTCOM and to give it the privilege to collaborate with government.
