By Dennis Udoma
Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited is setting up a N40 Million Soap manufacturing Plant in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The initiative, is in line with the company’s drive to create an environment to encourage sustainable development within host communities in its states of operation.
The Deputy-Managing Director, Port-Harcourt District, Mr Francois Le-Cocq said, the project estimated at N40M, has the potential of creating 48 direct and 100 indirect employment opportunities for the communities.
The DMD, who spoke through Engr. Marcel Ukwu explained that, the project is not part of the company’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with any community but a Corporate Social Responsibility project, agreed to be sited in Ekpene Ukim community in Akwa Ibom State to stimulate the local economy.
According to him, ‘‘our belief is that by engaging our people in these activities, they will grow and be able to sustain themselves beyond oil and gas.
‘‘Nurturing and growing local viable businesses creates both direct and indirect jobs, and generates income for families and households in our communities; thus widening the circle of income earners, reducing poverty and enhancing the overall economic well-being of our people’’.
Mr Le-Cocq, while assuring that the company would continue to create and support small and medium sized self-sustaining business opportunities in local communities as bedrock for future growth, also expressed the hope that the people would appreciate the potential benefits that will accrue from the project on completion.
Also, the Business and Enterprise Development Manager, Total E & P, Mr Desriac Phillipe maintained that, the resolve to establish the soap manufacturing plant in Akwa Ibom was to encourage the people lay hands on sustainable and profitable ventures beyond the usual oil and gas contracts so that, even after the oil boom, their economic well-being could still be enhance.
He called on the people to join hands with the company to make the project a success.
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport and Mineral Resources, Mr Oman Esin in his goodwill message commended Total E&P for setting up the factory in the state describing it as noble venture that would impact positively on the lives of the people.
Mr Esin, who was represented by his Director, Mrs Ogechukwu Edoho appealed for speedy completion of the project to stimulate the local economy and make jobs available to the people.
The Paramount Ruler of Itu Local Government, HRH (Edidem) Edet Akpan Inyang (JP), on behalf of the traditional rulers applauded Total E&P for the initiative saying that, life would have been better by now, if other oil companies in the Niger-Delta region could emulate Total E&P by establishing production factories in host communities such as the soap manufacturing plant.
He thanked the management for the gesture noting that, it would go a long way to create jobs for the youth as well as reduce restiveness.
The Youth Leader, Mr Gregory Akpan also thanked the company for the locating the factory in Ekpene Ukim community describing it as a good venture that would provide them with employment.
He assured the company their support towards realizing the project.
