The Lagos State Government, in an effort to ensure peaceful operations in its emerging oil and gas industry, hosted the inaugural Badagry Youth Oil and Gas Conference from Thursday 6th to 7th February 2020.
The conference was conceptualised to engender first-hand engagement with the youth of the region to discuss the challenges and opportunities connected with the discovery of oil in the area, and foster development dialogue aimed at promoting peace and enhancing sustainable extractive operations and community development.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources reiterated the state government’s resolve to work for the communities.
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He maintained that the concerns of the citizens informed the decision to organise the conference and consultation with stakeholders from the private sector to engender smooth operations.
“The state government is committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence between host communities and companies and we have invited community engagement and sustainability consultancy firm, CSR-in- Action to facilitate the formation of a framework towards ensuring meaningful community engagement practices that align with the aspirations of the youth and people of Badagry and that would bring about the desired development of Badagry and the oil and gas sector in the state,’’ Hon Odusote affirmed.
He added that he would present the main points of the discourse to the Executive Governor and reassured the people of the state government’s willingness to work with all stakeholders in order to achieve favourable outcomes for all parties involved.
He further encouraged the youth to be peaceful and law-abiding, promising that there will be continuous engagements with the youth, where issues and concerns will be discussed with a view to addressing them on a priority basis.
Mustapha Abdul-Ahmed Olorunfemi , meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, lamented the lack of noticeable development in the area and assured of the government’s commitment to ensure that Badagry benefits from the oil and gas activities in the state.
He hinted that there are lots of opportunities coming to Badagry but that it will depend on the resolve of the people, especially the youth to remain peaceful and law-abiding, adding that no troubled area can receive any government’s attention because of the expected hindrance that it would cause.
