Going by our strategic plan to take the Dawes Island Field to sustained commercial production before the end of the year 2022, Petralon 54 Ltd met with its host and impacted communities to formally present the license given to it for the operation of the field by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The event tagged ‘Dawes Island Community Launch’ was held at the Ogoloma Town Square on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
The initiative was aimed at building mutual understanding between our organisation and the Ogoloma, Okochiri and Koniju communities in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The event was a remarkable show of acceptance for our organisation as it was widely attended by the youths, community elders, members of the Council of Chiefs, top government functionaries and traditional rulers, who came out jubilantly to embrace the management and staff of Petralon 54.
The event had the rich culture of the Okrika people on display and dignitaries like: His Royal Majesty, King Emmanuel Tamunoigbeindebia Ibiagolika Obudibo, JP, Ikwo V, the Amanyanabo of Ancient Ogoloma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in attendance.
Other dignitaries included Hon. Linda Stewart Koroma, Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Spokesperson for the Amanyanabo of Ancient Ogoloma Kingdom, Dr. Chris Biriowu, Spokesperson for the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Chief Martins Ateli Kunumgbe, Chairman, Ogoloma Council of Chiefs and Engr. Alhassan Abubarka, a representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Members of Petralon 54’s management team, which included Mrs Adeola Akinrinmade, Executive Director and Mr Gboyega Aiyemomi, Community & Government Relations Manager, were led to the Dawes Island Community Launch by Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe, Founder Petralon 54, who formally presented the company’s Petroleum Prospecting License No. 259 (PPL 259) to the Royal Fathers and the people.
Speaking at the event on behalf of Petralon 54, Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe conveyed the company’s appreciation to the Okrika people for the warm reception accorded its management team. While presenting the PPL license, he told the communities that “Petralon 54 is a socially responsible organisation that is committed to human and environmental wellbeing and urged the Okrika people to see the company as a partner in progress”.
“We are not just here to take without giving back. With the right atmosphere created by the Okrika people for our company’s operations, mutual prosperity is assured”, he promised.
Speaking differently, but with one voice, the spokespersons for both Ogoloma and Okochiri communities, Hon. Linda Koroma and Dr. Chris Biriowu, warmly welcomed Petralon 54 and expressed the communities’ happiness at company’s effort at connecting deeply with the people.
Petralon 54 Ltd is an indigenous exploration and production oil and gas company, holding a 100% interest in PPL 259, which covers the Dawes Island Field. Petralon 54 is a subsidiary of Petralon Energy Limited, whose mission is to leverage its experience, expertise, and world-class delivery capability to grow true indigenous ownership within the sector, while redefining the relationship between oil companies and communities.