Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — As part of its corporate social responsibility, Moni Pulo Petroleum Development Limited has empowered its host communities of Effiat and Mbo, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with entrepreneurial startup items and cash donations worth over N10 million.
The items include 40 motorcycles, 40 laptops, and printers, as well as cash donations to 120 women for business startup.
Speaking, the Vice Chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, at the commissioning of empowerment for Mbo communities, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital, said the event was the 10th cycle of the programme.
Lulu-Briggs said Moni Pulo has had a long and very healthy relationship with the people of Mbo Local Government Area since 1999 and was working hard to leave positive footprints in the area.
“Today we are here again to carry out our community empowerment program. This is the 10th cycle of the programme during which vital items like 40 motorcycles and 40 laptops plus printers to start transportation/internet businesses and cash donations from microcredit and entrepreneurship programme to 120 women for a business startup for the good people of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“We have a passion for transforming communities and catalyzing personal and communal growth in a sustainable manner, which is why corporate social responsibility is a core value that we cherish.
“For us, there is only one way to work without communities and that is the ethical, caring and mutually cooperative way. Thanks to this inclusive approach to community engagement. Moni Pulo has come to be known over time, like the good neighbour.”
Lulu-Briggs represented at the event by the Head, Human Resources, Mrs. Babeibi Pepple, stated that a review of the social responsibility projects they company has carried out in Mbo Local Government Area, revealed that its activities have aligned with the current global sustainable development goals.
She said the community empowerment program was the same as it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs in her host communities to set up and establish businesses that will help increase the employment rate in Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.
“So as is customary for us, we carried out due consultation with your community representatives and responded to your identified need for an activity that would significantly and positively affect your lives.
“As a matter of fact, we were very pleased when the communities requested for an empowerment initiative because as an indigenous company, we stated through the vision and hard work of one man and today, by the grace of God, we are standing as a corporate entity. This is our dream for you too, that is why our corporate mission is to provide hope and encouragement to indigenous entrepreneurs; because when you succeed in business and life, we succeed too and Nigeria as a whole benefit.
“As we present our brothers and sisters in Mbo and Effiat communities with equipment to start up their businesses, our belief is that livelihoods will be secured and enhanced, hope restored and self-esteem improved, as more people will be given the opportunity to unlock the potential And the fortunes of families and indeed entire communities will be improved.”
Also, the Zonal Operations Comptroller, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Bassey Nkanga, advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment program to make judicious use of the opportunity.
Nkanga represented by Mrs. Philo Idire said “This is a great opportunity, only a few communities have this kind of opportunity. I will advise you to make judicious use of the opportunity.”
Also, the Chairman, Effiat People Community Initiative, Barr. Inam Effiong-Okon, while commending the management of Moni Pulo for the smooth relationship with her host communities, urged other firms operating in the area to emulate Moni Pulo.
“It is only Moni Pulo that has sit us down every year to empower us. If other companies operating in our communities would be like Moni Pulo, it will solve the restiveness among our youths.
“Let other companies emulate what Moni Pulo is doing. Last year we were here for this same empowerment programme, the year before last we were here, it is becoming almost like every day.”