Oil and Gas: Itsekiri losing her negotiating power, expert warns

An SPDC Chief as well as expert in the oil and gas Industry, Mr. Emmanuel Etsano has warned that Itsekiri Nation is losing her negotiating power in the oil and gas sector, noting that there is no visible engagement with Neconde, Seplat and other IOCs prospecting for the black gold around the Jones Creek as well as Egwa areas in Delta State.

Fresh Angle International can report that Mr. Etsano raised the alarm Sunday June 4 in Warri, Delta State during the maiden Itsekiri International Summit organized by the Itsekiri Summit Group, ISG.

The oil and gas veteran, who spoke on leveraging on the huge oil and gas resources in Iwere land for the infrastructural development of Itsekiri Nation, wondered why Itsekiris are not talking about resource control around Jones Creek and Egwa areas.

While stressing the need for Itsekiri to build their philosophy around the crown (Olu of Warri) Mr. Etsano blamed under-development of Itsekiri communities on disjointed engagements with IOCs, narrow GMoUs and lack of development master-plan.

He canvassed for development of Itsekiri communities in phases, saying Iwere people should explore their rich history by investing in the lucrative tourism sector largely untapped.                  

According to him, gas is the next market, “bigger than oil,” hence strategic framework should be put in place so as not to be left out in the impending gas sector boom.

An Itsekiri rights' activist, Mr. Amaechi Ogbitse Ogbonna in a thought-provoking historical achievements of heroic Itsekiri leaders like late Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, Nana Olomu and Chief Dore Numa, lamented that despite the apparent achievements of Nigeria's first Finance Minister, late Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, “nobody talks about him, even though nobody has surpassed his landmark”.

While stating that Itsekiri Nation of today have “human resources, but we don't have the link”, Mr. Ogbonna accused the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu of “playing politics with Itsekiri”.

He harped on the need for Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC and National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG to work in synergy for Itsekiri Nation to succeed, adding that “Itsekiri is not for sale”.

Comrade Amaechi Ogbonna delivering a frank talk

Our Correspondents report that the summit which attracted Itsekiri youths, professionals, and technocrats was streamed live to a global audience, even as it featured two panels of incisive discussions as well as musical performances from indigenous Itsekiri artistes.

L-R: Comrade Robinson Ekengbuda, Mrs. Rita Arubi, Comrade Collins Edema,  Comrade Michael Tidi, Mrs. Debbie Edah, Comrade Isaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro & Hon. Romeo Ogedegbe

Panelists at the Itsekiri International Summit, L-R: Tucker Newportwright, Charles Lori & Metsese Anthony Ebule

Cross Section of participants at the Itsekiri International Summit

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