Mkpoikana Udoma 12 April 2017, Sweetcrude, Uyo – The Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with American oil firm, Halliburton, for the establishment of an oil and gas training centre in the state.
The MoU was signed by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Nse Udo Essien, on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government, while the Managing Director of Halliburton Nigeria, Mr. Henry Oki, signed on behalf of the oil firm.
Speaking after the signing formalities, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, explained that the gesture was in line with the industrialisation programmes of his administration geared towards engaging the youths positively, creating jobs and alleviating poverty in the state.
Governor Emmanuel, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren, said his administration was geared towards expanding the economic base of the state and creating investment-friendly environment where investors would explore the resources of the state for business growth and sustainability of the state economy.
The governor commended Halliburton for partnering with the state to enable her achieve her dream of making the state the industrial hub of Africa, adding that Halliburton’s investment in Akwa Ibom would attract other oil companies to the State.
He noted that the signing of the MoU will strengthen the bond of partnership between Halliburton and the state government, and assured that the company will not regret her coming to the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Nse Udo Essien, expressed joy that the oil and gas training centre would help in capacity building and training of personnel in Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.
The commissioner said having gone through the training modules as a geo-scientist, the programme would offer world-class training in engineering, geo-sciences and drilling, in view of the best landmark software at the company’s disposal.
Responding, the Managing Director of Halliburton Nigeria, Mr. Henry Oki, explained that the coming of the oil firm to Akwa Ibom State is to help crystallise the industrialisation programmes of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration.