Nigerian Senate has given approval for the transformation of one of the oldest Airstrip owned by Shell but abandoned at Oloibiri Oil Well 1, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to an Airforce Base
This is sequel to a motion moved on Thursday by Senator Agadaga Benson Sunday who represents Bayelsa East in the Red Chamber
In his lead debate, he noted that, the Airstrip was constructed by Shell in 1958 when Crude Oil was first discovered in 1956 in the Otuogidi Community and sit on over 25 hectares of land but has since been abandoned.
He stated that while the Airstrip was operational, it was a valuable asset for exploration and exploitation of oil activities as well as airlifting of personnel and equipment.
But regrets that following the gradual decline of Shell’s operation and final departure from Oloibiri Oil Field, the Airstrip have been left desolate, as agriculture which happened to be the mainstay of the Community can no longer subsists due to concretized soil topography.
Concerned by the environmental challenges and ecological complications faced by the Host Community due to Shell’s activities and lack of adherence to its Corporate Social Responsibity.
Believed that, upgrading the abandoned Airstrip to an Airforce Base will renewed the hope of the people.
The upgrade will also be of benefit to the Country in the areas of, strengthened security, reduction in Oil theft and pipeline vandalisation as well as attract business opportunities.
All the prayers sought for were accordingly granted and the motion with the support of other Senators passed.
