Afigh Iwaad Ekid is also agitating for Mobil to move its headquarters to the Niger Delta
Pastor Ita Udo, the President-General of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, a socio-cultural group in Akwa Ibom, said he would reposition the group to ensure economic evolution in households in the state.
Udo said he would strive to help youths in the state to embrace entrepreneurship, and shun cultism and indecent lifestyles.
He made the promise in Eket shortly after being inaugurated as the sixth president of the association on Saturday.
Explaining that economic potentials in Eket clan would be harnessed, Udo said agriculture, cooperatives and entrepreneurship training were the key drivers of his administration’s plan to re-focus the economy of communities in the state.
He solicited the support of the communities, corporate bodies and members, assuring them that his leadership would champion the agitation of oil-bearing communities for equitable remuneration from oil companies for their exploration activities.
Udo said the group would join forces with other progressives to persuade Mobil Producing Nigeria, operator of the Qua Iboe oil fields, to relocate its headquarters to Eket.
According to the president-general, all the company’s operations are carried out in Eket, yet its headquarters, where decisions about its activities are taken, is outside the area.
“We think that the policy is not quite right. They should bring the headquarters to where all their operations take place and my group will support the agitation in that regard,” he said.
“We have come with a blueprint to change things and re-brand Afigh Iwaad Ekid and we are going to work hard to ensure that when we talk, anyone who listens will know that we are serious.
“We shall ensure that Eket youths are equipped and empowered to take advantage of the oil and gas opportunities, rather than being dependent on people.”
