WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State Local Content Agency (DSLCA) has concluded plans to hold its maiden stakeholders summit, geared towards creating the needed platform to showcase the agency to companies operating in the state.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Morris Idiovwa, who was represented by the Special Technical Adviser, Chief Emma Avworo, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Governor’s Office Annex, Edjeba in Warri.
Dr. Idiovwa explained that the objectives of the summit was to create a platform where the agency could be formally introduced to companies operating in the state as well as harness ideas on how best to implement local content policies in growing the industrialisation of the state.
He stated that the objectives of DSLCA also included “encouraging the use of MOUs/GMOUs in defining relationships with communities, with a focus on the development of local workforce/capacity of local contractors and encouraging the development of local skills and entrepreneurship to facilitate employment creation, enterprise development and local economic growth.”
While noting that those expected to be at the summit were companies operating in the state, traditional rulers of the host and impacted communities, presidents-general and chairmen of clusters/communities, community development boards (CDB) and opinion leaders, among others, Dr. Idiovwa stated that the summit would be addressed by the governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.
He also explained that the summit would provide the best platform for the governor to lend his most compelling and credible voice to the agency to help to surmount any opposition’s and or gridlocks that the agency may encounter in the near future as it carried out its lawful duties.
He added that the summit would be presided over by the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration Company, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, while the guest speakers would include Engr. Alex Neyin and Dr. Leamon Ikpea.
While stressing that the agency had the right to monitor the companies to know if they were complying with the laid down procedural laws, Dr. Idiovwa assured that, very soon, DSLCA would have its database for necessary operational analysis.
Responding to some questions from the newsmen, the DG explained that the summit would be a brainstorming session with actual focus on addressing issues between communities and companies according to the Law, adding that it would include educating people on peaceful coexistence.
The summit has been slated to hold on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the Delta State capital.
