OGONI INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS FORUM PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF KHANA LGA
The Ogoni Indigenous Contractors Forum (OICF) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, paid a courtesy and familiarization visit to the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Chief Dr. Bariere Thomas, DSSRS, as part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement and institutional collaboration drive across Ogoniland.
The delegation, led by the President of the Forum, Hon. Kenule Kukang, JP, was warmly received at the Council Secretariat in a meeting attended by distinguished leaders and key stakeholders of the Local Government Area.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
During the engagement, the Forum formally identified with the administration of Chief Dr. Bariere Thomas and commended his leadership style, widely recognized for inclusive governance, strong stakeholder engagement, visible developmental initiatives, and sustained commitment to peace and security within Khana.
The Forum noted that the Chairman’s approach to governance has enhanced public confidence and created a stable and business-friendly environment conducive to investment and economic growth. Under his leadership, Khana continues to emerge as a model for grassroots development rooted in community participation and people-centered policies.
Advancing Indigenous Participation and Local Content
The Ogoni Indigenous Contractors Forum reiterated its mandate as a duly registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (RC No. RN 99114), representing indigenous contractors from Gokana, Khana, Tai, and Eleme.
The Forum emphasized its core objectives, which include:
Promoting indigenous participation and ownership in development projects
Preventing capital flight from Ogoni land
Facilitating capacity building and technology transfer
Ensuring that economic benefits of local projects are retained within the local economy
The delegation highlighted that these objectives align closely with the development philosophy of the Khana Local Government administration.
Call for Right of First Consideration
A major highlight of the visit was the Forum’s call for stronger collaboration with the Khana Local Government Council, particularly in prioritizing indigenous contractors and granting them the right of first consideration in projects executed within the Local Government Area.
The Forum maintained that Ogoni contractors possess the competence, technical capacity, and commitment required to deliver quality projects, and that empowering local businesses would deepen local content, enhance sustainability, and promote inclusive economic growth.
Chairman Expresses Commitment to Partnership
In his response, Chief Dr. Bariere Thomas, DSSRS, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Forum for organizing and positioning indigenous contractors for greater participation in development activities.
The Chairman affirmed his administration’s readiness to work closely with the Ogoni Indigenous Contractors Forum as a strategic means of strengthening local participation in development projects within Khana Local Government Area. He emphasized that empowering local contractors aligns with his vision of inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and sustainable grassroots development.
He further assured the delegation of his support in fostering policies and collaborations that will prioritize indigenous capacity while maintaining transparency, quality delivery, and accountability in project execution.
Commitment to Shared Progress
The Ogoni Indigenous Contractors Forum reaffirmed its readiness to work hand in hand with the Khana Local Government Council in advancing developmental initiatives that benefit the people. The Forum assured the Chairman of its professionalism, cooperation, and unwavering support toward achieving shared goals for the progress of Khana and the wider Ogoni land.
The visit forms part of the Forum’s broader strategic engagement efforts aimed at building institutional partnerships, strengthening local content advocacy, and positioning indigenous contractors for greater participation in development projects across Ogoniland.
