ExxonMobil approves CSR deal to raise social investments with N13b in A’Ibom
Host communities in Akwa Ibom State are set to enjoy massive social investments totaling N13 billion (US$43 million) in health, economic empowerment and education projects from oil giant, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in the next 18 months.
It would be recalled that ExxonMobil affiliate, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Mobil Producing Nigeria Joint Venture remains the only International Oil Company (IOC) with head office in the Niger Delta and Akwa Ibom in particular.
Other IOCs are yet to heed to the Presidential Directive in relocating their operational head offices to the oil states.
Key projects expected to be delivered within the period include a technical skills centre in Ikot Akata, a trauma centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and an engineering complex at the University of Uyo.
In a terse remark, Paul McGrath, chairman and managing director of Mobil Producing Nigeria averred that “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,” he added.
Continuing, he noted that 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.
Whereas the center 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.
Also, the engineering complex, which will be equipped with generators and independent water supply, will feature two floors of workshops, laboratories, a lecture theatre, conference rooms and faculty offices. It is expected to serve about 2,000 students, mostly from Akwa Ibom State.
