Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the full operationalisation of the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC) in accordance with the law establishing the commission.
The development was announced by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, during a meeting with stakeholders from Ogbaru Local Government Area at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.
Professor Ofoegbu also disclosed that the Anambra State Executive Council has approved the construction of a road linking Atani Community to Umuezerabia Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area, an area that hosts several oil wells.
The commissioner, accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nonso Ebonwu, further revealed that the state government has approved the construction of a primary school and a Primary Healthcare Centre in Umuezerabia Community, adding that the procurement process for the projects has reached an advanced stage.
He urged Ogbaru stakeholders to clearly articulate the developmental needs of their communities by submitting a formal requisition to Governor Soludo, alongside technical recommendations on addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with oil exploration and production.
Professor Ofoegbu assured the delegation of the governor’s commitment to the sustainable development of oil-producing communities and the overall advancement of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the traditional ruler of Ossomala Community, Igwe Victor Awogu, represented by the Secretary of the Ogbaru Summit Development Initiative, Honourable Emmanuel Ifeachor, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government to accelerate development in the area.
He identified key priorities, including the electrification of communities, construction of access roads, improved security, and adequate representation of host communities to ensure they benefit fully from oil exploration activities in the area.
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