The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON), has urged the Federal and Kogi Governments to establish the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to enable the communities in the state participate in its projects and development programs.
Recalled that the Kogi State Government received its first 13 per cent derivation allocation in October after being recognised as an oil producing state by the federal government.
The HOSTCON Chairman in Kogi, His Eminence, Bishop Gabriel DS Ojoka, made the call in communiquรฉ issued after the joint meeting of HOSTCON, HOSCOM and Nag’oh Communities held in Ashaba, Delta State.
Ojoka, who doubles as the state leader and Chairman Northern States Area of HOSTCON, noted that the establishment of NDDC in Kogi will enable the HOSTCON to benefit maximally in the developmental activities of the commission as host communities.
The national leader also stressed the need for the state government to carry HOSTCON Kogi chapter along in the implementation of its programmes as it is being practiced in other oil producing states of the federation.
He noted that the state government was already on the known through writing and expressed optimism that the government in her wisdom would certainly not sideline HOSTCON in Kogi State.
He commended the HOSTCON members for their massive turnout from across the country especially some prominent personalities and national executive officials of the organisations.
His Eminence advised the public to do their best in ensuring that wisdom directed the affairs of their life, saying, ”greater glory and blessing of a better Nigeria awaits every one come 2023”.
Bishop Ojoka expressed his condolences to family members of the security agencies who lost their loved ones in the fight against banditry and insurgency in Nigeria.
He called on the federal government to compensate their families in order to encourage the commitment of the younger officers in the defence of the nation.
Also speaking, HRH Pastor John Omojo Egwuda, the state Patron of HOSTCON, encouraged communities to participate via registration as the set structure by the national executive council.
Egwuda prayed that the enormous natural resources in Kogi state would come to light for the benefit of all.
The National Working Committee (NWC) Chairman of Nag’oh Communities’ Union, Mr James Obidike, explained the tireless effort made to reconcile the aggrieved communities to ensure that permanent peace return to Ibaji and Kogi state at large. .
Obidike called on the relevant authorities regarding the 2023 elections to act with sense of responsibility, adding that ”election is not do or die affairs”.
The National Secretary of Nag’oh communities union, Mr Paul Inocha, acknowledged the effort and input of the Hunter Council Nigeria in their security and Intelligent gathering (HCN) around the state.
On his part, the State Welfare Officer, Comrade Ojadi Aboyi Francis, stressed the important of house to door crusade mobilizmsation for greater participation and the need for new members to strenghten their membership via registration.
On his part, the Chairman of Ujeh-Ojone for the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Mineral resources (HOSCOM), Mr Abu Jedie Okolo, appreciated the “Hunter Council of Nigeria and Forest Guard” (HCNFG) for their commitment and collaboration with HOSTCON.
Okolo urged the National Assembly to hasting up in the passage of the (HCNFG) bill.
Bishop Ojoka thanked the Commander General, Amb. Joshua Osatimehi; Assistant Commander General, Hassan Yakubu; Commandant Monday Paul (KSC); and Kogi East Area Commander of HCNFG, Kogi state, Muhammed Shehu, for their tireless effort in organising and directing their officers.
He, however requested for higher checks across the country especially during this festive period to minimize harassment on travellers by bandits and hoodlums.
Deliberations were made and concerns raised over repeated yearly accident and calamity that befall people at the end of each year.
His Eminence cautioned the people against endangering themselves but to be safety conscious at all times.
The Bishop prayed that all would cross over to 2023, been stronger, better and more united Nigeria.
