By Young Erhiurhoro, Ughelli
Unenurhie community in Evwreni Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State is now set for another round of economic boom as Heritage Oil and Gas Services Ltd, Warri, has recently drilled four oil wells and a gas well, all in one oil facility.
The oil-rich community, which is grouped under OML 30, Evwreni field, has housed other oil wells and a pipeline under the Oroni field for many years.
Speaking to our correspondent during a town hall meeting held with leaders of Unenurhie community and the oil company, the President-General of the community, Mr Williams Ilayah, said: “Indeed, I’m highly elated for this great achievement during my tenure. Anything about oil drilling in this country has a standard and a procedure. This is what we, as leaders of this community, want Heritage Oil Company to follow.
“By the time all the processes are duly followed by the oil company, I believe it will definitely change the economic position of the community. It will create professional jobs for our children who are graduates in the oil and gas sector. It will also create menial jobs for our children, women and some elderly people. This is truly a great economic opportunity for our people to excel in every one of their careers, skills and academic professions,” he said.
The President-General again called on the management of the oil company to follow the due process of oil drilling, as it was done in other places, considering its effects on the environment, the health of the people and farmlands, which remain a major source of livelihood to the people.
Also speaking during the town hall meeting, the immediate past President-General of the community, Mr Peter Maison, JP, described the achievement as the mercy of God upon the community.
He therefore thanked the Clan Head of Evwreni Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oghenekevwe Kumane, Eruvwedede III, and his second in traditional affairs, His Highness, James Amuke, the Odion’Rode of Evwreni Kingdom, for their efforts to ensure peace and unity amongst the people of Unenurhie community throughout the period of the drilling activities.
However, the two youth chairmen of the community, Mr Emmanuel Edward, representing Enurhie Quarters, and Mr Bernard Esiajere, representing Uruwheru Quarters, in a media chat with our correspondent during the meeting, called on the management of the oil company to give qualified youths of the community full-time employment in their company, and not only contractual and menial jobs.
They also assured the management of the company of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere throughout the period of their operations and services in the community.
