- June 13, 2023
- Posted by: Imo Udokang
- Category: News
As part of his ongoing endeavour to promote progress and advancement in the Oil and Gas Free Zones in Nigeria, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Sen. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura (MFR) has expressed concern over the mass exodus of investors from the country due to lack of adequate security, peace and high cost of doing business in Nigeria.
Consequently, he paid visits to the host communities, one of which is Eleme Kingdom; to meet with the paramount rulers and discuss issues of mutual benefits of OGFZA and host communities. In Eleme Kingdom, where he was received on Saturday 4th June 2023 by the King of Eleme, His Royal Majesty (Dr.) Philip Osaro Obele (JP), the Oneh Eh Eleme XI and his council of chiefs.
L-R: King of Eleme kingdom, HRM Dr. Philip Osaro Obele (JP), Oneh Eh Eleme XI and Managing Director/Chief Executive of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, MFR
As part of his ongoing endeavour to promote progress and advancement in the Oil and Gas Free Zones in Nigeria, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Sen. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura (MFR) has expressed concern over the mass exodus of investors from the country due to lack of adequate security, peace and high cost of doing business in Nigeria.
Consequently, he paid visits to the host communities, one of which is Eleme Kingdom; to meet with the paramount rulers and discuss issues of mutual benefits of OGFZA and host communities. In Eleme Kingdom, where he was received on Saturday 4th June 2023 by the King of Eleme, His Royal Majesty (Dr.) Philip Osaro Obele (JP), the Oneh Eh Eleme XI and his council of chiefs.
HRM (Dr.) Obele, who was elated at the Managing Director’s visit considered it a historic record. According to him, Sen. Kaura has set a record because it was the first of its kind stating that for about forty years since the reign of Eleme kingdom, there has been no such visit from OGFZA. He said, it demonstrates that Sen. Kaura is a respecter of traditional institutions.
Sen. Kaura while addressing the King, informed His Majesty and members of his council that he was assigned by the Federal Government to take over leadership of OGFZA from his predecessor, Umana Okon Umana, who had been appointed as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. This necessitated the need to acquaint himself with the King, to solicit the support of his community for the Authority and its investors operating in Eleme Kingdom in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria.
He solicited the support and collaboration of the community for peace and security with which investors can thrive in the zones stating that lack of adequate security is one of the major inhibiting factors for investors in the zone. He appealed to King Obele to encourage his youths to continually embrace peace while assuring them of his commitment to promote the development of the community.
HRM Obele showered praises and offered prayers on Sen. Kaura for his dint of respect and congratulated him for his appointment by the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as urging him to tap into his wealth of experience as Nigeria’s former law maker towards the advancement of the Authority and its host communities.
Explaining the administrative structure of Eleme kingdom, HRM Obele briefed the OGFZA boss that Eleme comprises ten major clans including Ogale, Agbonchia, Aleto Alesa, Alode, Ebubu, Akpajo, Eteo, Ekpero and Onne, all of which play host to national and multinational companies such as Oil and Gas Free Zone, NOTORE industrial hub, Indorama Petrochemical, Port Harcourt Refinery and so on.
Appreciating these companies, the King attested that there is no society that can develop without the presence of companies. He said Eleme is a peaceful kingdom which operates in synergy within the kingdom revealing that they are eager to attract more investments.
He urged Sen. Kaura to use influence and antecedent to ensure rehabilitation of the East West Road which is a major gate-way into the free zone.