By Erewunmi Peace

Leaders of Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State, alongside the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, have paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they called for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute in Oloibiri.

During the visit, the delegation highlighted Oloibiri’s historic significance as Nigeria’s first oil-producing community and appealed to the Federal Government to immortalise the town through the creation of a specialised petroleum institute. According to them, the proposed institute would serve as a centre for research, training, and capacity building in the oil and gas sector, while also addressing years of neglect faced by the community.

The delegation, led by traditional rulers and key stakeholders of Ogbia Kingdom, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointments given to indigenes of the area, particularly the appointment of Dr. Ogbuku as NDDC Managing Director. They noted that such recognition has renewed hope among the people of Ogbia.

In addition to the petroleum institute request, the Ogbia leaders also presented other developmental demands, including improved road infrastructure, bridge construction, and shoreline protection to curb erosion affecting several communities in the kingdom.

President Tinubu, in his response, acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that his administration remains committed to addressing developmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.

The call for an Oloibiri Petroleum Institute has continued to gain attention, with stakeholders describing it as a symbolic and practical step towards recognising the roots of Nigeria’s oil industry.