Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has declared that the economic interests of the Urhobo people must be protected in decisions concerning the proposed Industrial Gas Park in Salubi-Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Dafinone, who made the position known in a statement, denied supporting any attempt to deprive Urhobo communities of the benefits associated with the strategic investment.
The senator, who is also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said his involvement in the project followed legislative oversight activities and engagements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
According to him, those engagements revealed challenges relating to land acquisition, ownership disputes and concerns about the proposed location of the project.
He noted that the issues were genuine and should not be ignored or misrepresented.
“Pretending otherwise or twisting efforts to address them does not advance the interest of Urhobo Nation,” Dafinone said.
The lawmaker maintained that any decision on the future location of the project must not lead to its removal from Urhobo land.
He, however, acknowledged that legitimate technical, environmental or land-related concerns might require adjustments, stressing that such decisions must be made through proper consultation and with due consideration for the economic interests of the Urhobo people.
Dafinone said he would continue engaging the NCDMB, relevant federal authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues.
He described the Industrial Gas Park as a major opportunity for investment, job creation and industrial development, urging stakeholders not to reduce the matter to political propaganda or a contest over who receives credit.
The senator further dismissed claims that his engagement on the project was against the interest of the Urhobo people, insisting that his responsibility remained the protection of Delta Central and the pursuit of opportunities capable of advancing the future of the region.