By Tunde Eigbiremolen
Critical Stakeholders from Ologbo Dukedom, PRESCO Plc, Quadrant Gas Development Company and Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) have, at a public hearing in Benin, unanimously endorsed Edo State Government’s proposed Gas Plant Project at Ologbo.
The interactive session held at the premises of EDOGIS, 102, Sapele Road, Benin City, and brought together the key stakeholders to discuss the prospects and overall impact assessment, as a precondition for the citing of the proposed gas plant project.
At the end of the meeting, all parties overwhelmingly approved the project, having made their relevant observations and areas of concern.
Edo State Government aims to enhance and boost the capacity of Ossiomo Electricity Power Company in the area, by meeting its Gas needs with the proposed Gas Plant Project.
Welcoming guests to the Public hearing, Managing Director, EDOGIS, ESV Mrs Osaro Grace Aihie, FNIVS, explained that the Forum was aimed at getting the inputs and perspectives of the relevant Stakeholders with respect to the gas pipeline expected to pass through Ologbo, Presco and neighbouring communities .
She clarified that the exercise was a standard procedure required for the process of citing government projects to ensure the seamless implementation.
“The gas plant is a good thing and I know you will like it, but it’s only good that you are informed and that government knows how you feel about it”, Mrs Aihie stressed.
Speaking on behalf of HRH, the Enogie and good people of Ologbo Dukedom, Dcn Fred Osazuwa stated that the Ossiomo Electricity Power Project has brought development to Ologbo Community and environs. He added that the proposed Gas Plant will improve the operations of Ossiomo and boost the business climate in the area, reaffirming the commitment of the community.
In the same vein, A.N Uwajeh, on behalf of representatives of PRESCO, pledged support for the proposed project, while seeking clarity on the impact of the gas project and how to mitigate any negative effects on their own facility.
On their part, Dr. Uwa Igiehon, Managing Director, Quadrant Gas Development Company and Principal of the Company, Igbinidu Inneh offered explanations, clarifications and gave assurances regarding the areas of concern raised by the stakeholders.
The Ologbo community and PRESCO were commended for their support and attendance, and assured that all stakeholders will be adequately carried along in the implementation of the project.
Highpoint was a group photograph of the participants at the public hearing.
In addition to the Osiomo Power Plant, Ologbo also hosts the Edo 21,000bpd Modular Refinery, and the Ethanol Plant, to name a few. The citing of these projects implies a strong partnership between the Ologbo Community in Ikpobaa-Okha LGA of Edo State, and the State Government, with significant positive impact on the lives of residents.
