The Joint Task Force deployed to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, on Sunday donated sundry items to a school and hospital at Ogboloma community in Bayelsa.

Operation Pulo Shield took its campaign against pipeline vandalism to the communities hosting the Etelebo oil fields and gas plant operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Col. Ephrain Essien, Head of Civil-Military Relations Unit of Operation Pulo Shield, who represented the Commander, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, said that the gesture was to cement the cordial relationship with the oil community.

He said that Operation Pulo Shield is concerned about the challenges and needs of the communities where they are deployed to safeguard oil and gas installations.

Essien said that the military team is using the ‘carrot and stick’ approach by appealing to the conscience of the people in its campaign against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sundry crimes.

He said that Gbarowei Grammar School, Okolobiri, and Nedugo Health Centre were selected for quick impact projects in donation of ICT equipment, books, generator, notebooks and exercise books to the school.

The health centre got drugs, medical equipment including wheelchairs and medical consumables to cater for the healthcare needs of the people.

Receiving the ICT equipment, generator, books, notebooks, and exercise books, Principal of the school, Mr Monroon Perewe, said that the computer sets will boost the learning of computer studies in the school. He noted that the subject is becoming increasingly critical to such an extent that without computer knowledge, students cannot sit for JAMB examinations.

He applauded the joint force for the gesture and pledged that the items donated will be put to good use.

Receiving the medical equipment, drugs and other items, Dr Tarikiuyo Akpaingolo, Chief Community Health Officer at Nedugo Health Centre, thanked Operation Pulo Shield for its assistance. He said that the donation will enhance the capacity of the health officials to render quality healthcare service to the people.

Earlier, Spokesman of Operation Pulo Shield, Col. Isa Ado, addressed members of the community at the Ogboloma Town Hall and listed the health and environmental risks of vandalism and oil theft.

Ado noted that the joint force is in their community to maintain peace and advised them to use the existing channels to air their grievances with the oil firms rather than resort to destruction of oil assets.

Youths, women and community leaders took turns to air their views on the negative impacts of oil and gas exploration on the farmlands and environment.

They appealed to the joint force to prevail on Shell to live up to its social obligations to make life more meaningful for members of its host communities in Ogboloma.

•Photo shows Operation Pulo Shield Commander, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola.

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