The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has assured of its commitment to further deepen ties with its host communities as it begins activities for 2022.
NNPC gave the assurance through the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC), one of its upstream subsidiaries.
In achieving this, NPDC, recently organised a novel community support programme called SpudBaby and a maiden presentation ceremony in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State.
The ceremony took place on Dec. 17, 2021, at the Okoroete Town Hall of Eastern Obolo and was attended by top dignitaries in the LGA, including the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, His Royal Majesty Harry Etetor.
Speaking during the event at one of the company’s host communities in OML 13, Managing Director of NPDC Engr. Ali Zarah commended the community and its leaders for their support.
The MD, who was represented by Deputy Manager of Community Relations, Mr Luwei Doubra, noted that the Spud Babies initiative was an indication of NPDC’s commitment to strengthen collaborations with the communities and contribute to their wellbeing.
Others in attendance were Clan Head of Iko community, His Royal Majesty, Chief Isaiah Thomas Okonko and Medical Director of Eastern Obolo Health Centre, Mrs Unyime Eyibio Asuquo.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities in Eastern Obolo, the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Harry Etetor, commended NPDC Management for its innovation adding that the event was the first of its kind in the history of the State. He tasked other oil companies to emulate NPDC’s gesture.
On his part, the Iko Clan Head, His Royal Majesty, Chief Isaiah Thomas Okonko assured the NPDC Management of his community’s determination to provide an enabling environment to continue its operations without undue interruption.
The programme identified children born within the host communities at the time of Well Spudding activities, and grants were offered to mother and child.
Beneficiaries were identified, not only from the immediate community hosting the well, but across the entire local government area of the community.
The move was aimed at encouraging women to patronise health facilities by providing incentives to mothers who patronise government primary health centres.
