The GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari has been conferred with a chieftaincy title by HRH, King Kroma Amabibi Eleki, on behalf of traditional rulers of the OML 25 Communities.
The minister of state petroleum resources Timi Sylva was also conferred with a chieftaincy title by the royal father and members of the OML 25 communities of Kula in Bayelsa state.
Conferring the chieftaincy titles, HRH King Kroma Amabibi Eleki, described the duo as generous men with large heart that in a short period has contributed enormously to the growth and development of the community.
Members of the OML 25 Communities from Kula and environs from nearby Bayelsa State came out in their thousands to welcome the minister and the GMD.
After about two years of shutdown of the Oil Mining Lease 25 flow station by its host communities, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, reopened the station over the week-end.
The communities; Belema, Offoin Ama and Ngeje in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers state had occupied OML 25 and insisted that only an indigenous firm would be allowed to operate there.
Kyari and the minister of state petroleum resource, Timi Sylva brokered an agreement between Shell and the host communities of the oil facility.
About 35,000 barrels of oil was lost per day following the occupation of the facility, according to Kyari.
The shutdown of Oil Mining Lease 25 flow station by its host communities for over two years had caused the country the loss of over $1.7bn, the NNPC boss, stressed further.
“We had a shutdown of the Belema flow station for over two years leading to the loss of over 35,000 barrels of oil per day in monitory terms that over $1.7bn which could have been put to use for the benefit of the community and the rest of the federation.
“We have engaged the communities and Shell to make sure that this dispute between them is brought to a closure, the communities have agreed to vacant the facility to allow petroleum operations to continue.”
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