Minister of State for Petroleum resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri was given a rousing reception by the people of Ekeremor town, of Bayelsa state his home state
The occasion brought together leading political figures and community members from the state and beyond.
During the event, residents actively participated and demonstrated their support and appreciation for the minister and visiting dignitaries.
Highlights of the occasion included delivering of speeches by the Minister, Senators, the state Governor, commissioners, and assembly members, who all praised Lokpobiri
The event was filled with joy, music from Izonebi live band, cultural displays form Bayelsa arts and culture, the masquerade and vibrant celebrations showcasing the rich heritage of Ekeremor.
The reception served as a memorable occasion for all attendees, fostering camaraderie and leaving a positive impact on the community.
The reception was a well organised and successful event that brought together various stakeholders in a spirit of unity and celebration.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) in Nigeria, was recently honored and celebrated, while expressing the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving issues in the oil sector.
Lokpobiri, born on March 3, 1967, has a background in law and environmental rights, holding a Ph.D. from Leeds Beckett University.
His political career includes serving as a Speaker of the Bayelsa state Assembly, Senator for Bayelsa West and as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development before his current role.
Lokpobiri’s dedication to enhancing crude oil production is evident in his goals for the sector, increasing crude oil production, aiming for a ratio of 4 million barrels per day.
The reception ceremony that took place in Ekeremor to honour Senator Lokpobiri, was a significant event attended by various dignitaries. Governor Douye Diri was present at the ceremony, emphasizing its importance and the recognition accorded to him.
Hei is known for his passion, goal-oriented nature, the event served as a platform to celebrate Lokpobiri’s contributions and achievements in Ministry of Petroleum Resources, highlighting his dedication to enhancing crude oil production and addressing challenges in the oil sector.
Addressing news men shortly after the reception in his compound he said, “l’m happy to be honoured today. I want to thank the government and the people of Ekeremor local government area across party lines for coming to together to honour me.
“I also seize the opportunity to call on the Ekeremor people to see what the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in his wisdom appointed their son, a minister of mineral resources oil. I want to enjoin them today that they owe the president. By 2027 let them know that they have to repay their debt.
“Let them know that when they owe, they have to repay the debt. I will also use the opportunity the President have given to me to continue to unite Bayelsans. That is why today, we have a very good walking relationship between me and the government of Bayelsa State.
“After politics, it is governance. We are now at the stage of governance; it is my responsibility to ensure that we collaborate for the common good of our people.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in Nigeria plays a crucial role in overseeing the petroleum sector’s reform, transparency, and productivity. This position involves working closely with the President to develop innovative strategies and policies within the oil and gas industry
Additionally, the minister collaborates with stakeholders to address challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and infrastructure development, as well as to promote domestic gas penetration for national development
Highpoint of the ceremony was the honouring of the minister, and also honoured at the event were the state representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Denyanbofa Dimaro, a member of the board of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mrs Bekearedebo Warrens as well as a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kemasuode Wodu and Mr. Felix Okorotie, who were both conferred with the legal titles of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Dignitaries at the well-attended event included Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesoh Wike, Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), Senator Marshal Katung (Kaduna South), and Senator James Manager (formerly Delta South).
Others include Dr. Fred Agbedi representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, his Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency counterpart, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, as well as former President, Nigerian Football Federation and currently member of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Amaju Pinnick among others.
