Governor Soludo approves full operationalisation of ANSOPADEC, road, school health projects for Ogbaru oil communities
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has approved the full operationalisation of the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC), in accordance with the law establishing the commission.
The Governor also approved the construction of a road linking Atani to Umuezerabia in Ogbaru Local Government Area, one of the communities hosting oil wells in the State.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders from Ogbaru at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.
The delegation was led by the traditional ruler of Ossomala, Igwe Victor Awogu.
Igwe Ofoegbu, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nomso Ebonwu, further announced plans for the establishment of a primary school and a Primary Healthcare Centre in Umuezerabia.
According to him, the procurement process for the two projects has reached an advanced stage.
“The petroleum commissioner urged stakeholders in Ogbaru to properly identify and document their priority development needs in proposals to the State government.”
He also advised them to accompany such proposals with technical recommendations aimed at addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with oil exploration and production in the area.
Igwe Ofoegbu assured the stakeholders that the Soludo administration remained committed to the sustainable development of oil-producing communities in Ogbaru and the broader transformation of the area.
Speaking through the Secretary of the Ogbaru Summit Development Initiative, Hon. Emmanuel Ifeachor, Igwe Awogu appealed for stronger collaboration between the state government and host communities.
The Monarch called for accelerated efforts to improve electricity supply and road infrastructure in Ogbaru, while also seeking enhanced security and adequate representation for oil-producing communities.
He further urged the government to ensure that host communities receive the benefits accruing to them from oil exploration and production activities in the area.
The latest measures are expected to strengthen infrastructure and social services in Ogbaru’s oil-producing communities while improving the participation of host communities in the development process.
