OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, has affirmed that the Coastal region of the State would soon become the cynosure of all eyes in terms of infrastructural development and economic prosperity.

Erejuwa disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving in his office the Management team of the Oilshore Integrated Resources Nigeria Limited, a Port-Harcourt based oil and gas firm keenly interested in the establishment of a private refinery in the coastal region of the State.

Presenting before the Commission’s Management team its financial and technical capabilities, as well as the necessary road map for a hitch free and successful actualization of the project, the Managing Director, Oilshore Integrated Resources, Mr. Ekundayo Abiodun said the project when completed, will process crude oil into petroleum product including premium motor spirit, kerosene, gasoline and diesel.

Ekundayo, disclosed that the modular refinery targets a daily processing capacity of about 30,000 barrel per day giving abundant benefit to the State, the host communities and Nigeria at large.

He further stressed that preparation is on top gear as all criteria to obtain all necessary licenses to kickstart and complete the humongous project will be accomplished.

Oilshore Integrated Resources Nigeria Limited is a reputable organisation with teams of experts having several years of experiences in the oil and gas sector. The choice of Ondo State as its location for the refinery is due to the peaceful nature and investors’ friendly atmosphere of the State.

“We have made visits to a number of potential sites before selecting the proposed site (River Alape Industrial Park). We have also put measures in place to prevent environmental pollutions, oil spillage, gas flaring, and other health hazards. Safety is a part of our basic ethics.

Speaking further, Ekundayo reeled out the social and economic benefits of the refinery to the host communities and its environs, to Ondo State and Nigeria at large. Among these are: provision of employment, rural electrification (turban), youth/women empowerment, payment of royalty, and economic growth through increased local business activities, expanded tax revenue and infrastructural development.

Reacting, OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa recounted the abundant potentials embedded in Ondo State which has distinguished it as a safe and the most peaceful State in the Niger-Delta where investors can transact their businesses.

According to Erejuwa: “Today is a joyous day, and this meeting is a remarkable one. We thank God Almighty for HIS goodness to us in Ondo State. “Ondo State is the safest State in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. The Ilaje axis of Ondo State has the finest deposit of crude oil in Nigeria. Yet our people live in abject poverty and lack basic amenities.

“It is pitiable that Nigeria is one of the world’s leading producers of crude oil, yet importing petroleum.

“Our people in Ilaje and Ese-Odo deserve the best. We are specially made; We are purposeful and resilient despite our ecological challenges. This project when completed will undoubtedly create wealth, project our land to the world, bring unprecedented developments, progress and prosperity to our people. I am happy this is happening during my lifetime, and during my tenure. This is a remarkable development, and noble achievement for OSOPADEC.

“As part of our contributions as an Agency created to develop the mandate areas; and to attest to our readiness for this project, we will immediately set up our own technical team to join your team. We know our people and the best way to approach them. We will assist you get the most desirable location, and ensure our people give you maximum cooperation and protection. We are ready, as soon as you are ready.

“God helping us, we will meet with our people in Alape, who owns the proposed site. We will educate them on the significance of the project and its benefits to them, and generations yet unborn.

“Also, together with ONDIPA your proposal will be communicated to Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for evaluation and approval. We want to believe this is a divine compensation for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical, the world largest single train refinery originally scheduled to be sited in Ondo State but was relocated to Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State”.

Erejuwa emphasized that his mission as OSOPADEC Chairman is to sustain the mandate of the Commission which is targeted at total prosperity for the people and the development of the mandate areas.

He assured that the Governor of the State who is a critical stakeholder in the mandate areas is equally determined to bring about massive infrastructural development that would be of great benefit to the people.

Equally speaking, Director of Investment Management and Business Development, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Engr. Femi Akarakiri who commended the choice of River Alape due to its potentials and proximity to Lagos State gave the assurance that the Government of Ondo State will give the investors maximum cooperation and provide necessary logistics for quick take-off.

Akarikiri expressed satisfaction in the level of preparedness of the organisation especially the equipment on ground. He further assured that as soon as the proof of fund is provided, his Agency (ONDIPA) will swiftly approach the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON who is also investment friendly, for necessary briefing, approval and signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).