Concerned Youths for Development and Equity Initiative for Oben, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, has given Seplat Energy Plc a 90-day ultimatum to reconsider its decision to site a fuel-loading facility in Mosogar, Delta State, instead of Oben, its host community.
Assistant Secretary of the group, Comrade Raymond Omokaro, expressed disappointment that Seplat Energy would divert the loading facility to another location despite operating in Oben. “It’s unacceptable for a company to exploit resources in one community while diverting benefits to another. We demand that the fuel-loading facility be returned to Oben.”
Omokaro also alleged that Seplat Energy has consistently marginalized its host communities, failing to provide meaningful projects, employment opportunities, or infrastructure development. “We have graduates who are not gainfully employed by this company. We request that they provide employment opportunities in the managerial cadre and reinstate their scholarship scheme.”
The group’s President, Comrade Humphrey Igbinigie, corroborated Omokaro’s claims, stating that Seplat Energy has neglected the community’s needs, including empowering agricultural women, providing steady electricity, and improving healthcare facilities. “We have 68 oil wells, a fueloline oil field, and a compression station, yet we lack development. We call on the state and federal governments to intervene and hold Seplat accountable for their plans and actions.”
Efforts to reach Seplat Energy’s management for comment were unsuccessful.
