Orior Traditional Rulers Endorse Ying Zhi Gas Pipeline Route at EDOGIS Public Hearing, Hail Gov. Okpebholo’s Approach

Orior Traditional Rulers Endorse Ying Zhi Gas Pipeline Route at EDOGIS Public Hearing, Hail Gov. Okpebholo’s Approach

By Admin 

 

Traditional leaders and elders of Orior Community in Uhunmwode LGA have thrown their full weight behind the planned routing of the Ying Zhi Energy gas pipeline through their domain, following a public hearing convened by Edo State Geographic Information Service, EDOGIS.

The stakeholder engagement, held on Friday, May 29, 2026, was organized to address concerns around compensation and Corporate Social Responsibility for the project. It was chaired by EDOGIS Managing Director, Dr. Innocent Bello, and drew participants from key institutions and the host community.

In attendance were officials of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, executives of Ying Zhi Energy Limited, and Orior community chiefs led by the Odionwere. The meeting was designed to ensure the process met regulatory standards while promoting openness and community participation in the Chinese firm’s infrastructure project.

The proposed pipeline spans about 2.85km, beginning at Orio 7 unit, cutting through Orior community along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, and ending at the Yinghua Energy Park in Benin City.

Dr. Bello described the venture as “a long-term development project aimed at expanding local gas use and creating a gas-powered industrial hub in Edo.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Domestic Gas Utilisation Policy and the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda, and would bring major economic gains to both Edo and Nigeria.

He also highlighted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to people-centered projects and policies that make Edo more attractive for investors.

Representatives of Ying Zhi Energy told the gathering that consultations with residents had begun long before the hearing. They added that farmers and landowners affected by the pipeline’s right-of-way had already received compensation, while locals were engaged in non-technical jobs such as construction and security. The company further revealed that technical skills training and direct employment opportunities for indigenes are in the pipeline.

The EDOGIS Lands Department desk officer coordinating the session stressed that the hearing was meant to guarantee transparency and give every stakeholder a voice to support, question, or object to the routing plan. “We cannot be part of any project that creates future problems for the people. This hearing exists to prevent that,” he said.

Community chiefs and representatives used the forum to commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on proper due process to balance investor interests with community welfare. They also applauded Dr. Bello and the EDOGIS team for their professional handling of the project from start to finish, and pledged continued cooperation with government on future developments.

After reviewing the company’s presentations, the Orior elders unanimously endorsed the pipeline route, stating that Ying Zhi Energy had met all requirements and addressed their concerns satisfactorily.

The session ended with a group photograph of all stakeholders present.