Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed dismay over the insensitivity of the multinational oil companies to the plight of the host communities in the Niger Delta region.
This was as the governor also received the prestigious Green Wheel award by the Rotary International District 9141 in recognition of his contribution to the Environmental challenges as it affects the people of the region.
The presentation of the award was done by the District Governor Rotary International District 9141, Adeyemi Oladokun in Government House, Yenagoa
Governor Dickson, who was represented by the commissioner for Environment of Bayelsa State, Hon. Ebipadei Apaingolo, condemned the multinational oil firms for brazenly destroying the Niger Delta environment without adherence to international best practices in their activities.
Governor Dickson, while commending the Rotary International for deeming it fit to recognise the activities of his administration with a highly prestigious award especially on issues relating to Environment as it affects the people of the state, also called on International Oil Companies and the Federal Government to operate in accordance with best practices.”
The governor who reiterated his commitment in fighting environmental degradation, noted that the launch of Rise For Bayelsa Campaign was an initiative aimed at attracting global attention to the ravaging effects of oil spills, pollution and environmental degradation in the state.
According to him, the commission was inaugurated “ to investigate the environmental, health, socio-economic, cultural and human damage caused by operations of both local and multi-national oil companies.”
They are equally mandated to “analyse the legislations governing the operations of multi-national oil companies in Bayelsa State, and in Nigeria, as well as establish a set of recommendations that would lead to the development of a new legal framework that ensures accountability.”
The governor, therefore, sought the partnership of the Rotary International and other groups, locally and Internationally in his quest to address the Environmental challenges confronting the people of Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his address, , the District Governor of Rotary International District 9141, Mr. Adeyemi Oladokun noted that, the activities of Governor Seriake Dickson led administration, especially the recently held programme, ‘Rise for Bayelsa’with the theme; The Environment, Our present, our future, Rotary observed that the inauguration of an 8-member international Bayelsa Oil and Environmental Commission headed by the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu and the visits to impacted communities by the commission attracted the attention of the international body.
According to the District Governor, “It was based on these developments that the Organisation decided to honour the
government with the prestigious award.
The Bayelsa State Government delegation which was led by the Commissioner of Environment Hon Ebipiti Epiangolo included the Head Media and Events and Project Officer Rise for Bayelsa Campaign, Ono K.Akpe, Special Adviser to the Governor, VIP Protocol, Hon. David Nanakumo and Permanent Secretary Special Duties , Mightyman Aye Dikuro.