By Moses Patience Chat
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has advised energy stakeholders to avoid the pitfalls of oil and gas exploration as regards to environmental degradation and youth restiveness.
Okowa said this while conducting the inauguration ceremony of the Mosra Energy Idowu Falola Coal Mines and ground-breaking for a 600MW Mine-Mouth Coal Power Plant in Ugboba Community of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel, urged Mosra Energy to adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed upon with host communities and deal with issues of environmental sustainability.
His words: “As we lay the foundation for this power plant, we should remember the lessons learnt from oil and gas exploration as it pertains to environmental degradation and youth restiveness. I urge the Management of Mosra Energy to adhere to the terms of any MoU reached amicably with the critical stakeholders and also deal with issues of environmental protection with a view to maintaining industry standards.
“In the same vein, the communities should not be overbearing in their demands. There must be a balance struck to keep work going smoothly.”
According to him, power produced from the plant will positively impact the social-economic life of the communities and the country at large. He added that all parties should continue to maintain peace to ensure that the construction of the power plant is successful.
He also said that Delta State is blessed with numerous mineral resources and “we are familiar with oil and gas because it is the mainstay of the economy. Coal is another mineral resource that is abundant in commercial quantities to drive economic activities.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr Olukayode Ramos, said that the project was a step towards meeting the energy needs of the country. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for their partnership and continued support towards attracting more investors into the mining sector.