By Clinton Awhawha
The decision by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (Heritage Energy) and its OML 30 Joint Venture Partners, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL) to build a Police Station in Evwreni Community is commendable, strategic and will significantly guarantee safety of lives and properties in Evwreni and it’s environs.
The ultra- modern Police Station, funded by HEOSL and JV Partners was commissioned in Evwreni Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, on the 5th of July 2024.
A statement by Reverend Sola Adebawo, Heritage Energy’s General Manager for Government, Joint Ventures and External Affairs, said the project, was funded in recognition of the importance of security and respect for the rule of law.
“This project is in line with goal 16 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal as it is designed to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related crime rate in Evwreni and environs while also promoting the rule of law.”
Adebawo further explained that the project was a legacy project under the rested Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) which has transited to Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
He reiterated the importance of rule of law and peace as business enablers which would lead to more benefits for stakeholders.
“It is important for host communities to live harmoniously with oil and gas companies for mutual benefits, as business will only thrive in a peaceful environment,” he said.
A Sienna operational vehicle was also presented to the Community and attached to the Police Station.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, who commissioned the project commended Heritage Energy and its Joint Venture Partners for building and equipping the facility.
Represented by the Area Commander of Ughelli Command, Mr. Ademola Adebayo, enjoined the community to partner with the Police to ensure a fruitful co-existence.
Adebayo urged other communities to emulate Evwreni, and promised to liaise with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ughelli Division to deploy officers to the new station.
The President General of Evwreni Community, Chief Kenneth Ukpebitere appreciated Heritage Energy and its Joint Venture Partners for single handedly and diligently funding the project to completion.
Ukpebitere said, this is a true reflection and recognition of the good Corporate Social Responsibility of Heritage Energy and expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State government for the untiring efforts to ensure that Evwreni is at peace.
The occasion, was attended by both past and present political, religious and cultural leaders of Evwreni community and a host of others.
