Explosion: ODSG tasks Chevron on residents’ safety

By Evelyn Omotoye
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Following the recent  fire outbreak at the Oju Imole oil field in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, the state government has charged the operator of the field, Chevron Nigeria Limited to prioritize the safety of lives and properties of the community.

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the company in his office in Akure, the state capital, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi called on Chevron to deplore all necessary resources to ensure that the fire was put out on time and forestall future occurrence of such incidence.

While stressing the importance of the riverine community to the economy of the state, Hon. Ajayi said the company should urgently focus on making the place safe for residents as they do not have any other home, adding that the oil deposits in their community should be a source of blessing to them, and not a source of worry.

In his comment, the leader of the Chevron delegation, Mr. Brikinns Esimaje said the company was doing everything possible to put out the fire as well as address both the immediate and remote causes of the inferno.

Esimaje said the visit would allow them to work with government in the interest of the host community’s safety.

‘The reason for coming here is to really have a face to face discussion with government and to update His Excellency on the incidence,’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the state commissioner for Environment, Mr. Funso Esan said  the news of the inferno at Oju Imole oil field broke out during the Easter holidays and government had been working hard to  ensure the safety of residents.

He said the meeting with Chevron would allow government iron out certain issues on safe operation of the company in the state.