Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN) has made a strong case for the development of adequate indigenous human capital to explore and manage the country’s petroleum resources.

Utuama, a professor of law, receiving the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Ilyasu Bashar (rtd), who is also the Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, on a courtesy call on Thursday in Asaba, observed that lack of adequate manpower for the petroleum industry has dire consequences for the economy of the country.

"Let me thank the Federal Government who decided to establish the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Delta State.It is a university that is very central to the survival of this nation because 90 per cent of our economy is derived from petroleum resources.

"If you do not en-panel studies into petroleum resources, it means you are going to manage these resources in ignorance. Managing them in ignorance can only ensure their quick depletion to our own peril and our own future.

"Therefore a forum where we can undertake scientific studies, administrative studies in the management of these resources can only promote the economy and sustainability of our country." Utuama told the visiting emir that the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development were strategic to the growth and development of the petroleum industry.

" So this is a very wise decision and Delta State under the able leadership of the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has evolved a three point agenda, agenda of peace and security, education enhances peace, …. human capital development agenda and off course infrastructural development," he said.

Bashar, who was on a maiden visit to the university, pleaded with the state government to put pressure on the federal government to pay particular attention to the institution because of its place in the growth and development of the country.

He also used the occasion to call on leadership at various levels to work towards the unity and peace of the country, imploring particularly religious leaders to avoid provocative utterances that were capable of inflaming their followers.