Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, the immediate past commissioner of Oil and Gas in Delta State and newly-elected Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, had no hiding place despite his humility and amiable disposition as stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in the state reflected on his impact in the industry, with the general consensus being that Oyibode left the Delta State Ministry of Oil and Gas better than he met it.
Oyibode, a former PANDEF youth leader, that is the Pan Niger Delta Forum was accompanied by his amiable wife and the who-is-who in Udu Local Government Area to the send-forth at Spark and Spice, off Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba.
A reflection of Oyibode’s contributions took centre stage during the send-forth organized for him by the Delta State Ministry Of Oil and Gas following his exit and electoral victory as the Executive Chairman of Udu LGA.
To start with, the present Commissioner of Oil and Gas, Hon. (Chief) Peter Uviejitobor represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Ejiro Oniyan commended Oyibode for doing his very best to move the oil and gas industry in the state forward, saying that his achievements are visible notably his ability to ensure enhanced peace and security in the oil and gas producing communities, a cardinal objective of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
Next was the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Omoko who illustrated Oyibode’s leadership skills with the Otumara Flow station incident in which Oyibode as a risk taker, braved the odds to get to the inner dwellings of those involved in the crisis so as to make peace, within a short period of his appointment as commissioner. Not left out was OML 26 and Heritage Oil as they described Oyibode as God-sent to the industry. One of them noted that he could make peace in a flash and resolved all issues at a whim, thus they were full of encomiums and were physically present at the send-forth as well as presented gifts to him.
“Your focus is sharp and we know that what we have lost is now the gain of Udu people who you are elected to serve through an unprecedented affirmation and election by the people of Udu LGA”, a source said.
Those present included Mr. Henry Sakpra, a known figure in the state, as well as the Vice Chairman of Udu LGA, leader of the Legislative Arm and others. An emotional moment was when the Secretary to the former commissioner, Mrs. Evi Ikpeli spoke, describing Oyibiode as a father and leader because he carried everyone along and that all staff will surely miss him.
