Baker Hughes Relocates To OGFZ Onne

As the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State is increasingly tapping its potential as a distribution hub for the sub-Saharan Africa, major indigenous and international oil producing and servicing companies are making their presence felt by the huge investments made while taking advantage of the economic benefits accorded the zone by the Federal Government.

Most recent proof is Baker Hughes’ commitment to invest in the local infrastructure to support the growing deepwater operations in Nigeria, with the kick-off of a $15million infrastructure investment programme in 2007.

The Federal Lighter Terminal at Onne Port was selected as ideal for relocation from Port Harcourt for the new Baker Hughes completions and production facility, 25 kilometers south of Port Harcourt. The relocation and commissioning of the new facility, was treated to a ground occasion recently, at Onne.

Present at the occasion was the former Managing Director of the company, Tayo Akinokun, who is presently the vice president, Human Resources, Eastern Hemisphere, and Tom Thissen,  president, Baker Hughes, African Region.

Managing Director of the company, Wade Welborn said the 43,000sqm facility is designed for optimal workflow with workshop features, combi-lift to move assemblies around in a safe and easy manner.

Earlier in a visit to the Paramount Ruler of Onne, Chief J.D. Osaronu, the team led by the Liaison and Training Manager, Segun Olukanmi had intimated the host monarch of the company’s readiness to imbibe best global practices in its operations, just as Chief Osaronu  offered a high sense of hospitality to the company.

Meanwhile, it was jubilation and excitement at Model Primary School, Ekara Onne, Rivers state, as Baker Hughes, formally handed over 100 desks donated by the company to the school.

The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Gomba Olornwi said the company’s gesture was a landmark contribution as it has brought an end to the absence of desks in the classrooms, and thanked the company for its contribution to educational development in the area.

In his response, the Facility Manager of the company, Ogunaike Ogundeko who represented the Managing Director, Wade Welborn, said the gesture offered a good starting point for educational advancement to the host community, as Baker Hughes recognised the collective dream of a society where pupils are assisted to develop their fullest potentials for future development.

Beemene Taneh