Isaac Money, Yenagoa
The Minister of state for Petroleum Resources ( Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council to partner with the ministry of Petroleum resources to fight against pipeline vandalism and illegal refining, which has continued to harm the Niger Delta environment.
Lokpobiri spoke when a delegation led by the state Chairman of the Council,
Samuel Numonengi, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
At the visit, he called on the council
to engage in sensitisation programs to raise awareness about the dangers of these destructive acts.
He also appealed to journalists in the state to inform the public about the ongoing efforts of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in transforming the country’s oil sector for the benefit of all.
The minister applauded the council for identifying with the transformative work being carried out by the ministry since he came on board.
Lokpobiri who commended the executive of the NUJ for the exemplary leadership and professionalism noted that the Union has proven to be a valuable partner, expressing his support for them as worthy ambassadors that have been helping in conveying realities of their progress.
“I had the distinct honour of receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, who came to identify with the transformative work we are carrying out in the oil sector.
“Their visit was both timely and significant, as they pledged their support in advancing our shared vision of revitalising the oil industry.
“I urged the delegation to collaborate with us in our fight against pipeline vandalism and illegal refining, which continue to harm our environment.
“I called on them to engage in sensitisation programs to raise awareness about the dangers of these destructive acts, while informing the public about the ongoing efforts of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in transforming our oil sector for the benefit of all,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Samuel Numonengi, Chairman of the Council and leader of the delegation assure of the council’s resolve to advance the shared vision of revitalizing the oil industry.