The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area has thrown his full weight behind the proposed Petroleum Hub project in Jomoro, declaring that the initiative has the backing of traditional authorities and local residents despite concerns raised in some quarters.

Awulae Kwasi Armahchi III made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement with a delegation from the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Toni Aubynn, on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, the Awulae urged government and project authorities to disregard external opposition to the initiative, insisting that chiefs and residents within the project area fully appreciate its long-term benefits and remain committed to its realisation.

He acknowledged concerns over the reduction of the project’s land size from 20,000 acres to 12,300 acres but indicated that the traditional authority would not challenge the revised scope, emphasising that the priority was to secure development and employment opportunities for the people of Jomoro.

“The PHDC delegation took a noble step to seek our blessings before beginning work on the project site. I’m grateful to them for the respect they’ve accorded this house. The land for the project belongs to me and I have no problem with it.

As the Awulae, my immediate focus isn’t on making money and derailing the progress of Nzema. I want my people to know that I seek peace, progress and employment for our youth. These are the most important things to me, so I don’t care about land size. All I want are jobs for my people. I see the developments in other areas and I want my people to experience the same progress.

Those who want to drag us, I want you to know that we are marching forward. The Petroleum Hub project will be developed here in Jomoro. Posterity will judge all of us, so we must do what is in the interest of our people. We are going to develop the project and it will be done on my land, so everyone must know and come on board. Petroleum Hub has come to stay and it has come to stay in Jomoro,” he said.

The traditional leader further cautioned that any attempts to delay or frustrate the project could undermine its prospects, urging unity among stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.

He also called on chiefs and opinion leaders across the enclave to champion the project within their communities by highlighting its potential to transform the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development.

In response, Dr Aubynn expressed appreciation for the endorsement, describing it as a significant boost to the Corporation’s ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts. He assured the traditional authority of the PHDC’s commitment to sustained dialogue and the full execution of the project.

The Petroleum Hub project is widely viewed as a flagship industrial initiative expected to position the Western Region as a major energy and petrochemical hub, with anticipated benefits including employment generation, increased investment and expanded infrastructure.