Faith Wilkinson, the President of Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, says plans are in top gear to debut the Oloibiri oil and gas festival slated for December 28.
Wilkinson told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State that the festival was initiated to draw global attention to the nation’s first oil community.
NAN recalls that the first oil well in Nigeria was founded in Oloibiri, a small creek community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The president explained that the oil well discovered in January 15 1956 was being operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited in the area.
Wilkinson, also the Coordinator, Festival Planning Committee, said the fiesta would go a long way towards enhancing the pride of the people not only in Bayelsa but across the Niger-Delta.
She said: “The festival is designed as a unique expo to attract tourists, local and international people, businesses, community organisations and experts from all walks of life across Africa and beyond.
“It aimed at celebrating the richness, dynamism and heritage of the Ogbia people, the Ijaw nation and Niger-Delta region.
“This maiden edition is tagged: ‘Promoting Peace, Unity and a Sustainable Tourism Based Local Economy’ and the line-up activities are: road race, cultural dance and health talk among others.
“The festival will have an outdoor area for native foods and drink vendors selling traditional drinks as well as branded fare, youth zone and a business expo section for corporate SME featuring sectors of government.
“It will also feature oil and gas summits as related to environment, tourism and alternative sources of livelihood.”