By Mordi Chukwunonso Esther
Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, has assured offshore host communities of inclusion in its upcoming Ikike project, saying that benefits of the project will be brought to the people.
TEPNG General Manager, Community Affairs Projects and Development, Mr. Obinna Ofoezie, who disclosed this at the stakeholders sensitization programme, said offshore communities will be integrated into the project interms of employment and trainings, assuring that every unskilled job will be allocated to the communities. He stated that all offshore host communities have been engaged through their Paramount Rulers for effective inclusion.
Represented by the Community Affairs Manager, Saheed Ogunsanya, Ofoezie gave details of the project and assured that offshore host communities will be part of the project.
“We have engaged with Paramount Rulers in our offshore host communities in both Rivers and Akwa Ibom State. We ensure our host communities are carried along in our projects.
“Offshore communities will be a part of the project in terms of employment, capacity trainings in oil and gas related skills, such as scaffolding, crane operations, etc
“We have engaged our contractors for the project, and we are assuring you that all unskilled jobs goes to the host communities 100 percent.
“There will be community assisted projects in our offshore host communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, such as provision of potable water, road rehabilitation, etc.
“I can assure you that the benefits of this project will be brought to the people. As a responsible organization, modalities have been put in place by our HSE department to carryout a social impact survey in all our host communities.”
Participants at the event applauded the French multinational for the sensitization, explaining that it has bridged the gaps between them, the host communities and the oil firm.
A participant, Capt. John Etim, from Okobo, Akwa Ibom State, said Total remains the best IOC in Nigeria, and the only oil firm that has signed an MoU that covers the entire state.
