DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has charged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to make deliberate efforts at safeguarding the environment.

Uduaghan, who spoke yesterday during the first international conference organized by the Centre for Environmental and Niger Delta Studies, CENDS, on sustainable environmental peace and security in the Niger Delta at Delta State University, Abraka, told oil companies to apply environmentally friendly approach in their operations.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Bello Orubebe, Governor Uduaghan said operations of oil companies should not impair the occupation and daily lives of the people of the region.

Pointing out that their people were peace-loving and keen to ensure that sustainable development took roots in the state, he said the state government was embarking on the beautification of all its cities.

He said: “We are taking steps to protect our environment. Already, we have set up a committee on green economy. The Federal Ministry of Petroleum has nominated two of its staff to join the committee.”

Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Professor Eric Arubaye, said the institution had a vibrant centre for environmental studies, equipped to carry out research for problems in the region.

He urged oil firms and other environmental organization to partner with the school in solving environmental problems.

Professor A.S Akpotor, Director, Centre for Environmental and Niger Delta Studies (CENDS), said the centre was established to conduct research on the history, ethno-cultural diversity, religion, language, policies, natural resources development and management of the Niger Delta.