The Indigenous Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (IBDAN), Oyo State Chapter, has kicked off the year with prayers, the presentation of a Certificate of Membership to members, and the decoration of elders as Grand Patrons to appreciate their contributions to the growth and development of the drilling industry in Oyo State.
The prayer session was headed by Pastor Adeniyi Badejo and Imam Lawal Oriolowo in the Christian and Islamic rites, respectively, at the Association’s Secretariat, Sw3/359 Lemmy House, Fire bus stop, Challenge, Ibadan, recently.
According to the IBDAN Chairman, Comrade Ajibola Anjorin, “The event aims to give glory to God through prayers, supplication, and praise, coupled with the presentation of certificates and identification cards to bona fide association members.”
“IBDAN is new, with experienced practitioners of decades in the field, and we firmly believe that we dig and God gives water, which is the centre of our philosophy and our motto.
He equally noted that “Oyo State is a pacesetter, and it is to be noted that any notable or popular borehole drillers association springs out from Oyo State. We are open to collectively working in unity and peace with all drillers’ associations.
“We beg the federal and state governments to assist us regarding loans and grants. Expatriates have dominated our market, as opposed to the indigenous drillers. Borehole water is the primary source of water in Nigeria today. We need training and equipment to meet the 21st-century requirements and challenges.
“The government should help us to compete with these expatriates; they should also empower us. The government and concerned authorities should investigate our matter to empower us in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Equally saying at the event, the Grand Patron of the association, Mogaji Abiola, noted, “We are seeking the government’s support as regards empowerment; we have the Indians to compete for our local jobs, and they are better equipped than us because of the support system given to them by the government.
“In case we eventually get the jobs, some of us still have to go back to this set of people, I mean the Indians, for rent. We are blessed with youths willing and able to work, but the conditions aren’t encouraging.
“On a very pleading note, we implore that Engr. Seyi Mankine’s administration look into this matter in employment; we want more government engagement. This is why payment of our permit remains paramount to our members.”
Mr. Quadri Ishola, Engr. Alaba, Mogaji Abiola, Engr. Abiona, and Barr. Mojisola Hassan were among the dignitaries who attended the prayer session in the industry.
