The formal admission of Anambra State into the league of oil producing states has now been set for Thursday, August 30.

Breaking the story two days ago, Transport & Business Express had reported July 30 as the date for the historic event.

But confirming President Goodluck Jonathan’s forthcoming visit to Anambra to formalise the state’s status as an oil producer, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Chief of Staff to Governor Peter Obi and Commissioner for Budget Planning, gave August 30 as the date finally chosen for the event.

“Yes, Anambra is on the threshold of history! But please note that the date for the joyful landmark event written about by Isaac Umunna is August 30. On that day, President Goodluck Jonathan will commission the Orient Petroleum Facilities, which I consider further tangible evidence of the President’s love support for his dear friend/our beloved Governor Mr. Peter Obi his people,” Prof. Okunna said in a message sent to Anambra internet forums.

Welcoming President Jonathan in advance to Anambra, Prof. Okunna said: “Yes, what other Presidents did not do for Anambra State, our own Goodluck has done! With this landmark event, it is hoped that Governor Obi's amazing effort to realize the Orient Petroleum Dream will become better known appreciated.”

Transport & Business Express had on July 17 reported that President Jonathan was scheduled to visit the south east state to commission operations at the new Anambra oil wells, thus officially welcoming Anambra into the fold of oil-bearing states.

Orient Petroleum Resources Plc, which is promoted by the state government, has struck oil from three wells in Anambra North and has already despatched oil through River Anambra and River Niger to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital in south south Nigeria, for export in three barge tankers. The Orient Refinery in Aguleri is expected to start operation in a few months time

Chaired by former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Orient Petroleum parades a powerful board on which sit the likes of former Nigerian Vice President, Ide Alex Ekwueme.
Previous Nigerian governments had disallowed the exploitation of Anambra’s petroleum resources, declaring them to be on strategic reserve, while denying Anambra the status and benefits of an oil producing state. The policy has now been reversed by President Jonathan, making Anambra the ninth oil producing state after Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

Photo: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State