By Our Reporter
BENIN CITY – Elders and residents of Orior Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have thrown their weight behind the proposed routing of the Ying Zhi Energy Gas Pipeline through their community, describing the project as beneficial to both the people and the state.
The endorsement was made during a public hearing organized by the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) on Friday, May 29, 2026, to deliberate on issues relating to compensation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the overall desirability of the project.
The hearing, presided over by the Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr. Innocent Bello, brought together representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, officials of Ying Zhi Energy Limited, traditional leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
The proposed gas pipeline spans approximately 2.85 kilometres, extending from the Orio 7 Unit through Orior Community along the Lagos-Benin Expressway and terminating at the Yinghua Energy Park in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bello described the project as a sustainable development initiative aimed at boosting domestic gas utilization and creating a gas-powered industrial corridor in Edo State.
“This project will be of immense economic benefit to Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. It aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigerian Domestic Gas Utilisation Plan and the Decade of Gas Initiative,” he said.
He also highlighted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to people-centred development and his administration’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business in the state.
Representatives of Ying Zhi Energy Limited informed participants that extensive consultations had been carried out with community members before the hearing.
They noted that farmers and landowners affected by the pipeline’s right-of-way had been compensated, while local residents had been engaged in non-technical roles such as infrastructure support and security services.
According to the company, plans are also underway to provide skills acquisition programmes and employment opportunities for qualified community members in technical aspects of the project.
The public hearing served as a platform for stakeholders to express support, raise concerns, or make observations regarding the proposed pipeline route.
Earlier, the EDOGIS Lands Department officer who coordinated the hearing emphasized that the exercise was designed to guarantee transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the implementation process.
“We will not be part of any process where potential issues are ignored. That is the essence of convening this public hearing,” the officer stated.
During the session, community leaders and traditional chiefs commended Governor Okpebholo for ensuring that due process was followed in a manner that protects the interests of both investors and host communities.
They also praised EDOGIS under the leadership of Dr. Innocent Bello for its professionalism and transparency throughout the planning stages of the project.
At the end of the deliberations, the community unanimously endorsed the proposed pipeline routing, affirming that the company had adequately addressed their concerns and fulfilled the necessary requirements.
The event concluded with a group photograph of all participants.