Ondo State State Government has inaugurated new executive members of four associations in Oil Producing communities in order to ensure that companies involved in exploration in the areas perform their social and corporate responsibilities as expected.
The associations are to ensure that the relationship between oil companies and host communities is cordial.
TVC’s Ayodeji Moradeyo reports that oil exploration in the state takes place in the coastal communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
Most times, youths in the areas clash with oil companies, due to alleged failure to give back to the host communities.
In order to put the oil companies on their toes, the State Government inaugurated four different associations and brought them under one umbrella.
Amalgamation of the four associations is aimed at harmonising channels to interface with multinationals, particularly Chevron offshore.
Inaugurating the new executive members of the associations in Akure, the state capital, the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi urged the groups to be good representatives of their people.
Ajayi said meaningful development can only be achieved under a peaceful atmosphere.
For officials and members of the associations, welfare of the communities will be given priority. They promised to ensure that the existing peace in Ilaje is sustained, so as to attract foreign investors.
It is hoped that officials of these associations will foster good relationship between oil companies and members of the host communities.