The Egbema Youth Council has announced its decision to lift the 14-day ultimatum issued to the management of NPDC/Elcrest joint venture oil company Ltd.
The youths, however insisted on the 7-point demand given to the NPDC/Elcrest, noting that the decision to suspend the 14-day ultimatum was hinged on a move to allow the oil company meet their demands.
This was disclosed by the President-General, EYC, Mr. Ebidouwei Miyenpirigha, who addressed a press conference in Sapele, Delta State, on Saturday.
Speaking, the President-General noted that the NPDC/Elcrest must meet their demands which include an upward review of the amount for the award of scholarship, capital projects infrastructure in the catchment area and non-capital projects for traditional rulers, among others.
He also called out to the Federal Government to intervene by compelling the oil company to meet their demands.
In his words, “we want to appeal to government to compel NPDC to do all the capital projects they promised such as water, 24 hours electricity, market, classrooms block, walkways, sand-filling of the communities, palace for traditional rulers and other infrastructure or we will stop their operations.
“We also reminded OML-40 operators of their promise to pay stipends to members of the host and impacted communities and central youth body to assist them in their administrative duties, employment for Egbema youths which form part of the GMoU, since they are academically qualified. No Egbema youth is employed as staff of the company.”
Recall that EYC in a press statement had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the NPDC/Elcrest to meet a 7-point demand made on behalf of the communities or risks shuttinng down its operation in the area.
The youths lamented the inability of the oil company to deliver on its corporate social responsibilities.
Meanwhile, few days after the issuance of the ultimatum, the Executive Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Smart Asekutu waded into matter, urging the youths to remain calm. The chairman also urged the oil company to meet the demands of the youths.
