By Tunde Oso

The Mayor of Urhoboland and business mogul, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a 10,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Ughievwen, Imode, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

He described the project as a transformative development that will significantly impact the economic well-being of the Urhobo people.

Speaking in Ughelli over the weekend, the Mayor, who also serves as the head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, praised the President for demonstrating visionary leadership and a strong commitment to the progress of the Urhobo nation.

“There is no doubt that the new refinery, once operational, will greatly enhance the living standards of Urhobo youths, especially those in the immediate community and its environs,” Akpodoro stated.

As the National Coordinator of the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change (UYFC), Akpodoro highlighted the refinery’s potential to reduce youth unemployment, build capacity, and stimulate the local economy in the predominantly agrarian community.

“This has been my vision for years—developing our people through industrialization,” he said. He also called on the President to revive the Delta Steel Company (DSC) in Aladja to complement the benefits of the upcoming refinery.

Akpodoro emphasized the growing population in Delta Central Senatorial District, noting that the Urhobo nation is the third-largest homogenous group in Nigeria with significant electoral value. He advocated for more industries to engage the youth and reduce crime rates.

“With the Imode refinery, idle youths will be taken off the streets, and the tide of crimes and criminality will be stemmed,” he remarked.

The Mayor also commended President Tinubu for fulfilling the trust placed in him during the February 25, 2023, presidential election. He expressed confidence that the Urhobo people would continue to support the President in the 2027 elections, given the tangible development initiatives.

Akpodoro urged the youth in the host community to maintain peace during the refinery’s establishment and recruitment processes. He encouraged them to focus on skill acquisition in preparation for employment opportunities at the refinery, noting, “Professors don’t work in refineries—skilled tradesmen and women do.”

He also called for the cooperation of critical stakeholders to ensure the success of the refinery project. “Only in a peaceful environment can infrastructure and human development thrive,” he added, congratulating the Urhobo traditional institution on securing the refinery’s operating license.

 “The approval of the refinery’s operating license demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to positive change and renewed hope for the people of Urhoboland,” Akpodoro stated. He described the development as a dream come true, aligning with his longstanding advocacy for Federal Government investments in Urhoboland’s oil-rich resources.

“We owe it to President Tinubu to support his efforts for sustainable development. In 2027, the President won’t need to campaign here—we will happily take up that task for him,” he said.

Akpodoro also appealed to the President to prioritize the revival of Delta Steel Company (DSC), Aladja, just as efforts are being made to rejuvenate the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

“In gratitude, on behalf of the entire Urhobo people worldwide, I thank President Tinubu. The refinery project symbolizes hope and progress for our land, and we are committed to supporting his administration’s vision,” Akpodoro concluded.