A group, under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State Youths in Oil and Gas, has appealed to the President of the Senate to use his good office as Chairman of the National Assembly to urge both the Red and Green Chambers to tinker with the Local Content Laws in a manner that will give more opportunities to the youths in the oil and gas sector across the country.
The group lamented that most oil and gas firms had long ignored and jettisoned the laws, necessitating an urgent remedy.
The group further requested the President of the Senate to mandate the Chairmen of the Local Content Committee of both Chambers as well as the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Youth Matters to undertake a periodic performance of oversights on the IOCs to ensure their compliance with relevant laws of the land.
These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its enlarged meeting on Saturday in Uyo, signed by Engineer Ekemini Obot and Mr. David Edo, and made available to journalists.
They also appreciated Senator Godswill Akpabio for the pragmatic role he has played in the emergence of Akwa Ibom sons and daughters into various positions in the present federal government, adding that the appointment of Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) illustrates the philanthropic leadership of Senator Akpabio, which has consistently expanded the frontiers of opportunities for Akwa Ibom State youths and indeed, youths of Nigeria.
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The group noted with delight the role of the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio, at the 147 IPU session, where he emerged as a member of the Executive Committee, and at the 148 session, where he made exceedingly brilliant submissions to the delight of the large audience.
They expressed happiness with the sterling leadership of the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio and that of the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, stating that the offices occupied by the duo will certainly bring growth of momentous magnitude to the state and the people.
The group noted that Akpabio’s leadership style has continued to deepen his philosophical mantra of “turning boys to men,” asserting that such political conviction is what is required to develop the people as well as bring about the greater good for the greatest number in democratic governance.
The group congratulated Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo on his recent and maiden appointment as Chairman, Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), stating that the group appreciates the excellent performance and contributions to the nation’s macro-economy within a short time by the Minister, even within the short duration of time he has been in the office.
The group highlighted some of the achievements of the minister, including the attraction of foreign investors to develop the Nigerian Gas Sector; Facilitation of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Construction Floating of Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Plant and Construction in Delta State and Yoho Field in Akwa Ibom State by UTM Offshores.
Others include the facilitation of the continuously ongoing construction of NLNG Train 7 at Bonny, Rivers State.
The body emphasised that, with the numerous achievements of Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, it has passed a vote of confidence in the Honourable Minister, maintaining that the felicitation is intended to serve as encouragement for greater output.
The group also congratulated one of its own, Comrade Emmanuel Amama, who is a Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Youth Matters, affirming that the appointment has evolved into a useful interface between the office of the President of the Senate and the youth across the nation, adding that Amama is a square peg in a square hole.
The group lauded Amama’s ebullient spirit of camaraderie, assuring that with him, the youths have hope as well as assurance of involvement in productive ventures.
They lauded Comrade Amama for his pep talks to them on the need for the youths to be involved in agriculture as the only panacea to food shortages and food security, asserting that the Special Assistant’s vision is what Nigeria needs today to exit the present quagmire.
