Exploration Begins In Two New Oil Fields In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has issued licence to an oil firm through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to manage two new oil fields (PPL 270 and PPL 271) in Ondo state.

The new oil fields are discovered at the riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Sahara Energy, owned by a former Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) Funso Kupolokun has been licenced to begin exploration of two new oil fields in Ondo State

Governor of Ondo State,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at a meeting in Akure on Tuesday with the management of the company, said the state is open to investors as part of efforts to drive economic growth and development of the State.

During the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for Sahara Energy’s commitment to investing in Ondo State, emphasizing the state’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for their operations to thrive.

“Ondo State is lucky at this time. Although licenses are issued by the federal government, we assure you of our full support to ensure your activities flourish.

“We remain committed to maintaining Ondo as the safest state in the country and fostering an investor-friendly climate.”

The Governor noted that the government alone cannot achieve comprehensive development in the region and reiterated the state’s openness to more investors.

Aiyedatiwa appealed to the host communities to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for the oil company to operate smoothly, for the benefit of the state and the communities.

Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Board of Sahara Energy, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, described the visit as a crucial step toward kickstarting the operations of the company in the state.

Engr. Kupolokun, who hails from Ondo State, is a former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Kupolokun stated, “We are here to share good news with the Ondo State government, and it must begin with His Excellency.

“Before commencing operations, we seek the governor’s permission and blessings to ensure a smooth working relationship with the state.”

Commending the governor for making the state an investor-friendly destination, Kupolokun assured him that Sahara Energy would adhere to all state rules and regulations.