By Francis Sadhere, Warri

In a bid to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities and foster the development of its host communities, the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) has officially commissioned and handed over two blocks of twenty lock-up shops to the Ugbokodo Community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday April 16, marked a significant milestone in NGIC’s commitment to community development and partnership.

The project commissioning was presided over by the Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with host communities.

Represented by the Executive Director of Business Services, Mr. Kazachiyang Nuhu, Engr. Omotowa highlighted NGIC’s dedication to engaging with communities as partners and ensuring that they benefit from the company’s business activities.

NGIC, a Gas Transportation Company with an extensive network of gas pipelines spanning over 2,500km across 11 States of the Federation and reaching more than 350 host communities, recognizes the significance of fostering sustainable relationships with these communities.

The company’s community relations philosophy underscores the importance of the wellbeing of host communities and their active involvement in the business opportunities provided by NGIC.

Engr. Omotowa reiterated the company’s commitment to prioritizing the development of robust and sustainable relationships with host communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

“As a Gas Transportation Company with a vision to support the economic growth of Nigeria, our gas pipelines infrastructure network traverses over 2,500km across over 350 host communities in 11 States of the Federation.

“Nonetheless, as a responsible and responsive Company, we remain committed to developing robust and sustainable relationship with our host communities. Their wellbeing is paramount in our Corporate Social Responsibility thrust, and this is simply why we are here today.

“Therefore, we present to you this two blocks of twenty lock-up shops as a token of our contribution to the development of this community which we cherish dearly as one of our peace-lovingbcommunities,” Engr. Omotowa said.

He solicited the cooperation and assistance of the Community in the maintenance of peace in order to support the business growth and aspirations for the benefit of the people of Ugbokodo Community and Nigerians generally.

While noting that NGIC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of any issue, he urged the people of Ugbokodo Community to safeguard the project by putting in place adequate security measures to protect it.

The Chairman of Ugbokodo Community, Christopher Ofoye appreciated NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited & NGIC for commissioning the project in the land and for the gesture on their performance of social responsibility.

He said, “NNPC Gas Infrastructure is indeed, a friend to Ugbokodo Community with human meekness compared to other oil companies exploiting us.”

He highlighted NGIC contributions to Ugbokodo Community to include but not limited to, Novel Skill Acquisition, Training and Empowerment, Construction and Donation of 4 classroom blocks, Local contracts to indigenous contractors (Messrs Bizfactors, Brujomah, Odu-Terry Tech, Abidan and Sons, M. Ugbokodo and sons, Philswena International etc.

He urged other companies operating in the area to emulate NGIC by doing the needful for good relationship.

Ofoye also appealed that the NNPC-NGIC should endeavour to complete the remaining market project based on it’s already submitted architectural drawings, consider their denied slots in body-shops recruitment and engagement of their graduates in Young Professional (YP) programme of NGIC and to inaugurate the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) team with NGIC Management as host community.

Ofoye also assured NGIC that the people of Ugbokodo Community will put the market to good use as maintained same for the economic purpose for which it is built and donated.

He said, “Ugbokodo Community will continually maintain and enhance the existing cordial robust relationship with NGIC as a host community to be reckoned with while counting on our assurances.”

Present at the event were Mrs. Victoria Nwakuche
Manager, Corporate Communications Department, NGIC, the Acting Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Mr. John Ofofo, Mr. Phillip Ukeredi, Ugbokodo Community Youth President, Pharm. Goodluck Etieyibo, Conference Chairman, Chief Dele Ugbokodo, representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Clifford Ikpikpini and his wife, amongst others.

The commissioning of the lock-up shops in Ugbokodo Community exemplifies NGIC’s dedication to supporting the economic growth of Nigeria and enhancing the livelihoods of community members.

The event was attended by community leaders, government officials, and representatives from NGIC, who all expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project on the local economy and the overall well-being of the Ugbokodo Community.

NGIC’s efforts to empower and uplift its host communities through initiatives like the construction of lock-up shops serve as a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community development.