The Ayakiri community in Gbarain clan of Yenagoa Local Government Area has finally been approved as an oil producing community by the state government after years of struggle.
According to the residents, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has been extracting oil from the community without it being accorded its place as a host community to SPDC.
Bayelsa State government has last granted the approval for Ayakiri to be recognised as oil bear area.
According to the approval dated December 16, 2020 signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, Thomson Amule and Permanent Secretary, Adeh Ebiere, the community was separated from Ogboloma community.
Ayakiri, which is formerly known as Igbenbiri compound, has abundant oil and gas resources.
Confirming the development during a peace and thanksgiving celebration, the elders and youths of the clan led by a former Chief Medical Director of the Bayelsa State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Benjamin Tabowei, said the approval would bring more peace and development to the area.
The chairman of the organising committee of Ayakiri Peace and thanksgiving day, Chief Bruce Buba, said they were delighted with the recognition by the state government.
The paramount ruler of the community, Chief Emmanuel Onunu, called for unity among the indigenes and prayed that the recognition would bring development to the community.
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