– Laments on Project first
Anambra state held its first Petroleum summit yesterday 30th October 2019, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka Anambra State.
The summit which is the first of its kind was anchored on the theme, Sanitizing the Petroleum Sector: The role of Government and private sector.
The Governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano who was ably represented by Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government(SSG). in his speech, he said it is important that this critical sector of the economy is organized and disciplined. He recalled the fire incident at Onitsha and Amawbia which was caused by a foreign tanker in the state”.
He stated that “We have come to a stage whereby the private sector and the government must play an active role in ensuring sanity in the Petroleum Sector. He urged the panel to come up with solutions that will aid in best safety measures to be put in place for the delivery and supply of Petroleum products to avoid destruction of lives and properties, how to protect oil facilities in the state state, to ensure that official guidelines are adhered by Fuel stations and protect customers from being cheated by dubious dealers. The government is committed to making Anambra state safe for her people and businesses”, he said.
Engr. Linus Ilozu, the Executive Director at Chicason Group who doubled as the Keynote Speaker at the event and also a member of the panel stated the many challenges faced by the Petroleum and lubricant dealers in the state. He enumerated issues like the excesses taxation by the government bodies, untrained staff of Petroleum dealers, increase of substandard products.
READ ALSO: Anambra Govt Opens Bank Account For Onitsha Fire Victims
The 12 man panel which includes; Peter Ije(DPR Owerri Zone), Engr. Martins Agwuiyi, Ven.Okwuosa, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi (SSA to Anambra government on Health Issues), Com. Abuchi Aniuba,
ACC. Okorie Awasam, Prof. Solomon Nwaigbo, Chief. Obi Okafor, Com. Okafor, Nze Peter Okoye,
Dr Dan Madueke. The panel deliberated on many issues that affect both the private and government sectors in the state. They came with notable resolutions which include the acceptance of health insurance schemes for workers, ensuring that Petroleum dealers adhere to DPR and state guidelines and many others which will be relayed in a communique to the members.
During the event, some members of the Anambra state Petroleum and Lubricant Dealers Association were given awards for their efforts in the state and in the oil and gas sectors. The awardees include Chief Alexander Okafor(as a Pillar of Oil and Gas received by Engr. Ilozue), Chief Dr Sir Anthony Ezeani (Tonimas), Chef Dr Daniel Chukwudozie (Dozzy oil and Gas), Chief Sir Jeff Ezeokafor(Jezco oil and gas).
In an exclusive interview with Hon. Com. Peter Nwosu, who equals as the SSA to the Anambra state Governor on NUPENG Petroleum and Union matters, and who is also the organizer of the event, stated that the summit is to bridge the gap between the government and the private sector. He complained that despite Anambra having the highest number of oil marketers in the country the “project Aquila” is being captured in Enugu meaning that trucks will pass through their petrol stations in Anambra to Enugu for capturing before returning to Anambra to deliver the products. He said the introduction of speed limits for all trucks coming into Anambra will commence immediately. He thanked the Governor Willie Obiano for his support and his concern towards the Petroleum Sector. He thanked the Anambra dealers for coming out in their numbers to show their support and deliberate on these issues”.
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