Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON), has appealed to Kogi Government to include the host communities in the implantation process of the 13 per cent oil derivation fund.
HOSTCON also called for establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Kogi to enable the communities in the state participate in its projects and development programs.
Recall 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, Bishop Gabriel DS Ojoka, made the call in communiqué 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.