Opuama and Polobubo Communities Back ESG Progress in OML40, Reject NGO Claims
By EgbemaVoice,
Opuama and Polobubo (Tsekelewu) communities in Warri North, Delta State, have reaffirmed their support for ongoing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives in OML40 while distancing themselves from recent environmental claims made by an unnamed NGO.
Speaking on behalf of both communities, Pumokumo B. Tiemo, an indigene and ESG-certified community advocate, said historical pollution from former operators and illegal refining should not be attributed to the current operators of the Opuama Flow Station. He criticised the NGO for issuing statements without consulting recognised community leadership.
Tiemo outlined several projects delivered by NPDC/NEPL and Elcrest in Opuama, Polobubo and neighbouring settlements, including jetties, residential quarters, schools, electrification works, water projects, health facilities, dredged waterways and a cottage hospital. He also noted the role of Origin Global Nigeria Ltd. in combating illegal refining and improving environmental security in the area.
Community leaders Amb. Festus Pere Kingdom and Hon. Austin E. Sule backed Tiemo’s position, warning against exaggerated claims and insisting that no confirmed deaths in the communities have been linked to recent environmental incidents.
The communities emphasised that while environmental issues exist, they are committed to responsible ESG implementation and collaboration with government and operators. Plans are also underway to establish a skills acquisition centre to empower local youths. Full statement Partly reads,
PRESS STATEMENT
OPUAMA AND POLOBUBO COMMUNITIES REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR ESG PROGRESS IN OML40, REJECT MISINFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS. 29th November 2025,
The people of Opuama and Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Communities in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, hereby issue this press statement to reaffirm their commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and to call on media organisations, regulators and advocacy groups to rely strictly on verifiable facts and recognised community voices when reporting on developments in OML40.
Speaking as an indigene of both communities and a certified ESG professional of The ESG Institute (Isle of Man), Pumokumo B. Tiemo stated that any objective assessment of OML40 must clearly distinguish between legacy pollution and illegal artisanal refining, versus the current efforts by operators and host communities to stabilise and develop the area.
According to Tiemo, several studies and peer-reviewed research works have already documented serious historical contamination in the creeks and groundwater, particularly during the era when Shell Nigeria operated in the area, as well as during years of intensified illegal local refining. “Our people have lived with those impacts for decades,” he said. “But it is misleading to ignore the progress being made today or to circulate allegations that are not backed by engagement with those of us who live here.”
He emphasised that spills and environmental degradation caused by former operators or illegal refineries must not be attributed to the present operators of the Opuama Flow Station under OML40.
Tiemo also clarified that the communities do not recognise, did not mandate, and were not consulted by the NGO that recently issued statements on OML40. “Those statements were not developed with our community structures and do not reflect the reality on ground,” he said. “We welcome sincere advocacy, but not misinformation.”
ESG Progress and Community Development
Tiemo noted that the major shift in OML40 has been the practical implementation of ESG in partnership between the current operators and credible community leadership across Egbema Kingdom.
He listed a wide range of completed and ongoing development projects delivered through NPDC/NEPL and Elcrest, including:
OPUAMA & Aza-Ama Zion
1. Concrete jetty at Aza-Ama Zion
2. Two-bedroom residential flats at Aza-Ama Zion and Ebi Ororo
3. Fully furnished cottage hospital with medical equipment
4. Staff quarters and perimeter fencing
5. Solar system and generator
6. Rebuilding/support of Oloduwa Primary School
7. Doctors’ staff quarters
8. 400-metre walkway within Opuama
POLOBUBO (TSEKELEWU)
1.Multiple two-bedroom residential flats in Polobubo, Pinakiri Zion and Lagos Quarters
2. Civic centre in Polobubo/Tsekelewu
3. Ogono-Ama Primary School
Kabe Secondary School
4. Dredging of waterways (Phases 1–3 completed; Phase 4 survey ongoing)
Other Locations
1. Concrete jetty at Ikpotogbene (ongoing)
2. Corridor-Wide Infrastructure
3. Electrification of Opuama and Polobubo/Tsekelewu (ongoing)
4. Opuama water project (commencing shortly)
5. Polobubo/Tsekelewu water project (scheduled to start)
“These are visible, functional ESG outcomes that the people can see and use,” Tiemo said. He further highlighted the role of Origin Global Nigeria Limited as a vital partner in reducing illegal refining, improving security and supporting environmental restoration across the OML40 corridor.
Community Leaders Warn Against Exaggeration, Amb. Festus Pere Kingdom, youth leader, peace ambassador and indigene of Polobubo, reaffirmed Tiemo’s position and cautioned against misinformation.
“To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no confirmed or officially recorded deaths in Opuama or Polobubo directly linked to incidents recently described by some NGOs,” he said. “Any such claims must be backed by verifiable medical and regulatory evidence.”
Similarly, Hon. Austin E. Sule, Majority Leader of Warri North LGA and respected leader of Opuama Clan, endorsed the statement. “We know our environment, we know the history of spills, and we will always speak out when incidents occur,” he said. “But we will not impose the consequences of past operations or illegal refining on the new operators who are working with us in good faith.”
Commitment to Responsible Environmental Management, Tiemo reiterated that the communities are not denying the existence of environmental challenges. We know when there are spillages, we know the root causes and we have never shied away from taking responsibility,” he said. “Our focus is to implement ESG in a way that protects our land and waters, supports our people and strengthens investor confidence.”
He revealed that plans are underway to establish a skills acquisition centre to serve youths in Opuama, Polobubo and neighbouring communities expanding ongoing investments in education, security, health and infrastructure.
“With the right support, Opuama Flow Station and OML40 can become a national model for ESG implementation,” he concluded. “We urge all stakeholders to work with us based on evidence, respect and genuine partnership.”
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