Bitumen exploitation begins at Irele
– Awotula Temidayo.
The long promised exploitation of bitumen in Ondo State seems to have moved beyond the promissory range to the zone of effective actualisation as The Western Nigeria Bitumen Company has commenced field exploitation at Irele, the headquarters of Irele Local government Area of Ondo State.
A visit to the company shows not only personnel in work gear but grand moulding excavators , industrial burners and storage facilities at the yard of the company.
The company’s mining Engineer, Wilfred Akinyeke said between 2000 to 3000 metric tones are projected to be produced on daily basis. He noted that the company is set to begin top gear exploitation activities and modular refinery of bitumen situated at Irele is a pointer to the commitment of the government in this regard.
According to the Chairman of Ondo State Export Investment and Development Agency, Mr. Boye Oyewumi, the government of Ondo State is very particular about the prospects of bitumen exploration in the state and considering the fact that the second largest deposit of bitumen is found beneath Ondo State soil, there is no better time than now to give the necessary support for its exploitation, stressing that more jobs will be provided with this new development. Oyewumi added that in the southern senatorial district of Ondo State, Gov. Akeredolu has maintained that both the bitumen exploration and the Deep sea port at the coastal communities are his priorities which he will ensure they become reality and add to boosting the state economy .
