The Oriental Energy Resources Limited is set to become the first tenant of the Akwa Ibom State government owned 21-Storey Smart Building, ‘Dakkada Towers’, more than a year after it was completed.
The building reputed to be one of the most modern in Africa was constructed by the state government to provide modern office accommodation for International Oil companies, IOCs, operating in the state and to encourage them to relocate their head offices to the area.
This was made known when the State Commissioner for Power & Petroleum Development, Dr. John Etim met with a team from Oriental Energy Resources Ltd, in Uyo last weekend.
Etim who frowned at the absence of the company’s office in the state where they are exploring oil also pledged government’s readiness to partner the company in the establishment of a Modular Refinery in the State.
While applauding the oil company for its laudable Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) programmes in its host communities, the commissioner expressed satisfaction that the company unlike some others, was being people-oriented in its community development.
He tasked them on the need to ensure regular payment of their taxes to the state government and informed them of the existence of a robust draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which every oil company operating in the State was expected to adopt.
The company’s Managing Director, Engr. Ignatius Ifelayo had earlier speaking through his General Manager, Mr. Augustine Ekeigine, commended Government for the peace his company has enjoyed in the state and spoke of his company’s diversification plans and readiness to have an office in the State.
Ifelayo who was represented by the company’s General Manager Mr Augustine Ekeigine enumerated its CSR in their host communities to include a 200 Annual Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme; training and equipping of youths in various skills; an annual free health care service and the renovation of a Primary School in Effiat Community.
Others include donation of a Printing Press, provision of a Science Laboratory at Community Secondary School, Eghughu and the Construction of a 100 Unit One-Bedroom Flats at Ibaka, to be allotted free to indigenes of Oron Nation.
Highpoint of the visit was the inspection of the Dakkadda Towers Office Complex by the Team, led by the Commissioner and the Client Representative of Ministry of Special Duties, Arc. Ekanwan Alale.
