Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Joint Ventures plans to invest more than N13 billion (US$43 million) in three community-assistance projects in Akwa Ibom State.
The chairman and Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Mr Paul McGrath, stated this during the ground-breaking ceremony of the project in Ikot Akata, Mkpat Enin.
McGrath said the three projects are Technical Skills Acquisition Centre located in Ikot Akata, Mkpat Enin local government area, Trauma Centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and Engineering complex to be established at the University of Uyo.
He said that the projects which cover health, education and economic empowerment form part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility for Akwa Ibom people.
“These investments amount to one of the largest community investments by any company in Nigeria.
“These investments will provide long-term health, education and economic benefits to many in our communities.
“We continue to work closely with the government of the Akwa Ibom State as part of our commitment to communities where we operate and helping to improve quality of life.
“The technical skills centre will consist of a three-block training complex for critical skills required in oil and gas careers, such as pipeline fabrication, welding, electrical works, chemical lab works, civil works and engineering design.
“The centre is expected to train more than one hundred students annually.
“The trauma centre, which is to be housed in a two-floor medical complex, will help reduce mortality rates in major medical emergencies.
“The centre will include a resuscitation and burns room; a theatre suite; helipad; ambulance bay and triage area; high dependency and radiology units; mini labs; wards; pharmacy; administrative offices; library; and doctor, call and seminar rooms,” McGrath said.
According to him, the engineering complex would be equipped with generators and independent water supply, adding that it will feature two floors of workshops, laboratories, lecture theatre, conference rooms and faculty offices.
He added that the engineering project when competed is expected to serve over 2,000 students, mostly from Akwa Ibom State.
The managing director said that the projects would be completed within two years.
In his remarks, Mr Roland Ewubare, the NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Manager, assured that funds had been earmarked for the projects to ensure its timely completion.
Ewubare, who was represented by Mr Hillary Akpan, General Manager Gas Operations National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), said that the choice of these projects was the outcome of extensive engagement with with key stakeholders and in the state.
“In Akwa Ibom, our conviction is that direct benefits to citizens should be at the heart of every person social investment in decisions by communities who operate Nigeria soil assets.
He said that NAPIMS worked extensively with MPN in reviewing the investment proposals put forward for these projects.
Ewubare said when completed the projects would provide significant opportunities to socio-economic the benefits to communities in Akwa Ibom.
In his remarks, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said the choice of the site of the projects was to ensure sustainability.
He commended the Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria and NNPC for making the ground- breaking for the projects a reality, assuring investors of adequate security throughout the duration of the projects.
