Members of Agbidiama Community Youth Council, host of Opukushi, Tunu and Clough Creek flow stations operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have shut down activities at Opukushi flow station.
President of the aggrieved youths in Ekeremor community, Torke Ekpetun after Thursday’s action said that the youths called for dialogue to resolve the face-off between them and the oil major.
SPDC’s Media Relations Manager, Bamidele Odugbesan was of the notion that a cordial relationship with its host communities was valued by the oil company valued and as such would not do anything to jeopardize it.
He said, “It is a long-standing policy of SPDC to provide opportunities for its host communities, including but not limited to community contracts, scholarships at different levels, economic empowerment programmes, such as LiveWIRE, healthcare support, like the Oloibiri Health Programme and COVID-19 equipment donations to Bayelsa and other states.
“We also have GMoU community development programme that funds community projects decided by the communities.
“As we strive for a stronger relationship with our host communities, we are open to discussions on any complaints for an amicable resolution.”
Meanwhile Ekpetun explained that the protest was as a result of the refusal of the oil service companies operating in the area to meet their development obligations to the community.
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