The people of Bille kingdom in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State converged last weekend at Rachael’s Hotel, Port Harcourt for a dialogue tilled “Bille Beyond Oil” sustainable strategies for present and future economic development of Bille Kingdom and the launch of a book WHO’s WHO in Bille authored by a vibrant son of the soil, Harvest Emmanuel-Olu.
The event put together by Bille Community Welfare Association (BCWA), Abuja branch brought to bear the realities of long neglect by oil companies and government which resulted to the destruction of the ecosystem of the people whose predominant fishing occupation have extinct.
Introducing the dialogue, chairman of the occasion, Elder Boma Vincent Benebo who initiated the project with others in 2014 during the inauguration of Bille Community Welfare Association (BCWA), Abuja branch, contended that the Oil Producing Community which plays host to twenty three (23) oil wells in two fields, Bille 1 (kirikama) and Awoba I flow stations remain a strong contributor to the National wealth without anything to show for it.
He stated that Bille community has woken up to the harsh economic woes of the country and decided to take a proactive approach towards the economic survival of the people.
“Supposing there is no oil, what do we do? We should better have a rethink and move our community forward”, he emphasized.
He suggested for a strategic thinking and act that will create a dynamic environment towards the upliftment of the community, stressing the need to have a guidepost, using the people’s success and achievements to turn things around.
Earlier, the chairman, planning committee of the event, Barr. Iyalla Gabriel Igani in his address, noted that the presentation of the dialogue on the subject matter will unfold the social, economic, political and cultural challenges facing the Bille kingdom, pointing out that the uncontrolled exploitation and production of oil is doing more harm to the community, hence Bille kingdom should take necessary steps to plan for the future and key into the global alternative means of livelihood.
He commends the author of the book and described him as a gifted youngman full of ideas and a ready pen to put his ideas to paper. Igani further called on guests and Bille sons and daughters to generously support the author and encourage him to do more in the future.
In his goodwill message, Asatubo IAS Kemuel, chairman Bille Kingdom Development Committee commended the Bille community Welfare Association, Abuja branch and the entire Bille kingdom for the lofty initiative in the dialogue and book launch. He described the unpleasant economic hardship in the community as very worrisome, adding that the community’s environment has gone through a terrible state since the beginning of oil exploitation and production at about the year 1957, painting an ugly picture of pre-oil Bille environment which was buoyant and robust in fishing activities, but the reverse is the case now, due to oil pollution and degradation of the entire ecosystem of the area.
“There is also the need for oil companies operating within the territory to adequately carryout Human capital and infrastructural development Initiative by way of Corporate Social Responsibilities, CRS. In today’s petroleum Industry globally, CRS is regarded not a mere moral obligation, but as legal obligation that arises out of the industry regulatory framework. The rational for this position is that CRS becomes a means by which the companies put something back into their host operational environment etc” he disclosed.
Kemuel lauded the giant strides of BCWA, Abuja branch and the author of the book “WHO’s WHO”, saying BKCDC is proud to be associated with his committed project.
Representative of the Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Lady I.C. Lumati commended BCWA, Abuja branch and the entire Bille kingdom for their zeal and intellectual works which remains the hallmark for development, also lauded the bright ideas of the author of the book.
One time commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State, Emily Solomon in her goodwill message stated that whenever Bill Community I mentioned her passion and love for the community will drive her there. She commended Bille fort recognizing women in the scheme of things, saying that the book launch will position Bille community on global map. She further urged guests to emulate the community towards sustaining stable policies that will develop the area, and added that “Be proud of your community, because your impact cannot be ignored”.
Representative of the Amanyanabo of Bille kingdom, Chief Ibitamuno Dennis Minapakama who was delighted with the organizers of the dialogue, commended their impressive efforts, stressed that the theme of the dialogue is not only for Bille community but the entire Niger Delta region. He added that the oil companies have not been able to harness their activities properly, leading to eroding of the ecosystem through pollution and degradation of the entire areas of Bill kingdom.
Engr. Dawari R. Boisa, the resource person and guest speaker touched on the present socio-economic and political development of Bille kingdom which crippled the economic activities of the kingdom. He also described the classification of chieftaincy stool in Rivers State as a welcome development, but frowned at the exclusion of Bille kingodom ancient and one of the earlier settlers in the Niger Delta region and the strangulation of Bille in the distraction of wards in the LGA. He called on government to revisit those burning issues. ###
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