News
Oil Firm Reassures On Host Communities’ Dev
A multinational oil and gas company ,the Green Energy International Limited ,the operators of Otakikpo Marginal Field (OML 11) in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, says it is committed to strengthening the social , environmental and economic development of its host communities in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
To this end, construction works at the company’s 12MMSCFD LPG extraction plant that will transform and impact the lives of its host communities of Ikuru Town,Agama Ekede ,Ayama Ekede, Asuk Oye and Asukama communities have commenced in earnest.
The Chairman of the company, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe gave the assurance in his opening remarks at a stakeholders workshop organised by the company in Port Harcourt, yesterday
Represented by the Director in charge of Sustainability in the company, Mr Ayo Olejede, the chairman said ,the essence of the workshop was to provide a unique opportunity to brainstorm with sustainability experts in order to strengthen the social, environmental and economic development of the host communities, with support and collaboration of key institutions with a view to showcasing to all its numerous stakeholders how the company had journeyed to bring to fruition, its vision of creating a model of integrated energy company.
Adegbulugbe disclosed that the company had within the four years of operations and engagement contributed significantly to achieving some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through provision of the requisite basic infrastructure which would enable it deliever affordable and reliable energy that would propel social and economic progress within its host communities.
According to him, the concept of the company’s marginal field development is to use the Otakikpo Marginal Field to create a chain of economic opportunities where, after the oil is produced, the gas is utilised for powering the production of domestic cooking gas with a view to galvanising the economy of the communities and ultimately the economy of the country.
“I am pleased to announce to you that since September 2019 ,we have operated for over two million hours without no Loss of Time Injury (LTI) which indicates that our operations are being carried out within the highest level of safety standards”, he said.
“So far, we have utilised community contractors for majority of our projects and at the last count,our procurement exposure in terms of quantum of patronage is in excess of over N3billion. We are also happy to announce that we have ensured that both our skilled and unskilled staff have been drawn from the communities and the Niger Delta area.”he stated.
He urged the participants to develop inclusive CSR and sustainability frame work for advancing policy recommendations on environmental, social and governance issues to drive development in their communities in areas of natural resources and management particularly on protecting elephants and wildlife species in Andoni LGA and its environs as well as community electrification.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Kindness Egbelu represented by Mrs Nkemdiri Oduya commended the company for its interest in capacity building programmes for its host communities.
According to her, “our people depend on biodiversity but biodiversity is under threat from the same people that depend on it”.
In an interview with newsmen, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager , Mr Segun Ilori said the workshop was designed to review some of the things the company was doing to building sustainability future, adding that the aim of the project was community driven and social responsibility intervention.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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