By Jimitota Onoyume

Opuama and Polobubo ( Tsekelewu ) communities in Warri North local government area , Delta state, have dismissed as untrue and a gross misinformation, a publication in a national newspaper, insisting that the areas enjoy a very robust relationship with the companies mentioned in the publication.

The statement reads : “Our attention has been drawn to an unwarranted and malicious publication dated 26th November, 2025 in a newspaper’s’ ( name of the paper withheld ) online media page credited to one group known as Save the Earth and Secure the Future.

“First and foremost, the Opuama and Polobubo Communities of Warri-North LGA, Delta State wishes to distance itself from the unwarranted and malicious publication aimed at dragging the names of NEPL and ELCREST oil companies into a negative publicity crisis.

“More so, Opuama and Polobubo ancient communities are very peaceful and law abiding therefore, won’t condescend so low to make frivolous demands from companies that have been living up to expectations in terms of their cooperate social responsibilities (CSR) and mode of operations.

“Over the years both communities have been enjoying very sound and cordial working relationships from NEPL and ELCREST and as such it would be absolutely irresponsible for the communities to make such laughable and outrageous demands and allegations.

“Both NEPL and ELCREST have been up and doing regarding their corporate social responsibilities. They have executed several meaningful and developmental projects and some are on-going in the two sister communities. Where we have had any issues or dissatisfaction the communities and the companies have always come to a round table to reach a compromise.

“On the issue of masterminding relentless oil spills and dumping of hazardous drilling waste on Opuama Field OML 40 as claimed by the individuals( Mr. Nehemiah Tobolayefa and Mrs. Tare Gideon) therefore , it’s quite ridiculous and not true and therefore we are here to set the records straight to avoid creating bad blood between NEPL, ELCREST and their host communities.

“The two oil companies have been very mindful of their mode of operations and it is in tune with world best practices and also as enshrined in the country’s PIA and the communities( FTO) Freedom to Operate.

“On the issue of strange illnesses and deaths plaguing the communities due to air, water and land pollution it is a mere fabrication by the group to attract undue attention. Of course there are no possibilities of a 100% spill free operation but not at the scale claimed by the group.

“It might interest the general public and the world to know that the indigent people of Opuama and Polobubo are very sound and safe, no unusual illnesses or deaths plaguing the communities as a result of oil exploration.

“Finally, the Opuama and Polobubo Leadership wishes to advise the individuals to take their trade of white lies and false fabrication to other communities because both communities believe in standing for the truth at all times.”

Those who signed the statement are : Chief December Aweh, Chairman oil, gas Opuama , Genesis Gbenmo, public relations officer oil , gas Opuama, Rev Gabriel Ojiko, Chairman oil, gas Polobubo Tsekelewu, Amb Dango Anthony, public relations officer ,oil , gas , Polobubo Tsekelewu, Mr Gulf Beke Johnson, public relations officer Opuama Welfare executives, Mr Miyensinde Okotie , Assistant Secretary, Opuama Welfare executives, Pastor Marvis Tebeke-Emi Ofiyai, president Polobubo Tsekelewu Welfare executives, Amb Egbor Emomotimi Bob-Joe, Secretary Polobubo Tsekelewu Welfare executives, Chief Shola Korokoro, president Opuama bloc executives, Mr Tanga Japhet, Secretary Opuama bloc executives, Mr Paul Toruwei , president Polobubo bloc executives
and Mr Asekutu Saturday, Secretary Polobubo bloc executives