By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kano
The Managing Director, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has identified an urgent need to partner the media in other to deepen the cordial relationship between the oil and gas industries and their host communities.
The KRPC boss observed this in his speech to declare open, the 4th edition of KRPC energy Correspondent workshop, with the theme; “NNPC in Transition-Tranformation and Media’s Role in Facilitating Positive Outcome” currently holding in Kano State, Nigeria.
He said though, KRPC has a robust community relations practice which put the host communities at the fore front of all decisions affecting them, but noted that there is need for improved synergy between the media and KRPC in particular and the oil and gas industry in general.
Idi added that “a well informed public is core to democracy; and as citizens we depend on an open and free press to monitor and report on what is happening in our communities so that we can make reasoned judgement about our leaders.
“For a country whose budget is funded largely by the proceeds from the scale of crude oil, it is more likely that the media in such country would constantly demand transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.
“The oil and gas is a highly technical one. And those who should report about it must have the required knowledge and skills.”
This he said that was the reason KRPC management resolved to ensure that energy reporters have the necessary skills and capacity for effective reportage of the oil and gas industry.
