* Says it will fastrack Development.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON), has intensified pressures on the Federal Government and Kogi State Government to establish the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) .
The HOSTCON Chairman in Kogi, Bishop Gabriel Ojoka, made the call in a communiqué issued after the joint meeting of HOSTCON, HOSCOM and Nag’oh Communities held in Asaba, Delta State.
Ojoka, who is also the National leader and Chairman Northern States’ Area of HOSTCON, noted that the establishment of NDDC in Kogi will enable the people to benefit in the developmental activities of the commission .
While stressing the need for the state government to carry along HOSTCON, Kogi chapter in the implementation of its programmes like other oil producing states of the federation.
He noted that the state government has expressed optimism that it would not sideline HOSTCON in Kogi State.
He commended the HOSTCON members for their turnout from across the country including the National Executive officials of the organisations.
His Eminence advised the public to do their best in ensuring that wisdom directed the affairs of their lives, 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.
Also speaking, HRH Pastor John Omojo Egwuda, the state Patron of HOSTCON, encouraged communities to participate in registration as the set structure by the national executive council.
Egwuda prayed that the enormous natural resources in Kogi state would come to light for the benefit of all.
The National Working Committee (NWC) Chairman of Nag’oh Communities’ Union, Mr James Obidike, called for the reconciliation of the aggrieved communities to ensure that permanent peace return to Ibaji and Kogi state at large. .
The National Secretary of Nag’oh communities union, Mr Paul Inocha, acknowledged the effort and input of the Hunter Council of Nigeria in their security and Intelligent gathering (HCN) around the state.
In a remark ,the Chairman of Ujeh-Ojone for the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Mineral resources (HOSCOM), Mr Abu Jedie Okolo, appreciated the “Hunter Council of Nigeria and Forest Guard” (HCNFG) for their commitment and collaboration with HOSTCON.
Okolo , however urged the National Assembly to pass the (HCNFG) bill pending before her.
Recalled 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
