A Nigerian pleads in the United States for the area of the Delta of Niger
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Houston, the United States (BREADED) - the director of Africa political and economic strategic center (AFRIPOL), Emeka Chiakwelu, a Nigerian in the United States called for “partnerships” between the communities of the Niger Delta and the multinational oil companies working in the region.
“We must adopt a strategic approach for a real transformation of the area of the Delta of Niger, in order to answer the objections of the population”, said Mr. Chiakwelu, at the time of the Conference on gas and oil in West Africa and power station, which opened Tuesday in Houston, in Texas.
Her also said that: “it is only through the dialogue and the determination that the area will see peace, economic prosperity and security of lives and the investments security”.
For this to happen, Mr. Chiakwelu said that the multinationals oil to arrange meetings with the communities to establish the areas of partnership and support.
This expert in economics has also added that the oil companies, the federal government and the governments of the different States must “commit and to re-commit” to bring the development to the people of this region rich in oil.
“If they make it and that the communities react like equal partners, we will set a strategic goal that achieve in future and which will also benefit all of us”, Mr. Chiakwelu noted.
He also urged companies to always involve local communities in their initiatives to provide opportunities for the population, but also to promote socio-economic activities.
"The federal government must also develop structures in the region of the Niger Delta to stimulate job opportunities and other socio-economic programs to divert people's minds (some people) attacks against the facilities and employees oil sector, "he recommended.
"The challenge is to create opportunities to alleviate the suffering of the people and involve them in positive activities," said Chiakwelu.On investment in Nigeria, he urged businessmen and companies based in the United States to explore the vast potential of his country, where "the gas and oil related enormously, as well as other sectors of the national economy. "
"The future of Nigeria is very bright because the country has abundant resources and the close proximity of international markets," he concluded.
Houston - 14/06/2007
