04 April 2015, Port Harcourt – Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG), has unveiled its plans to promote enterprise development in its OML 58 host communities in Egiland in Rivers State.
Total unveiled its plan at a press conference, which it said bothered on loan facilities for entrepreneurs in the communities, aimed at expanding the range of economic activities within the host communities to enhance the well being of the citizens.
Acknowledging the importance of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of any meaningful and sustainable economic development of any society, Total entered into a partnership with a community-based micro finance bank, Fortis, aimed at promoting the growth of entrepreneurship and job creation in the economy of its OML 58 host communities.
Speaking at the press conference, held in Port Harcourt, Deputy Managing Director, TEPNG, Mr. Nicolas Brunet, said the cordial relationship between the oil company and its host communities has brought about significant mutual benefits to all partners. Brunet, represented by the Executive General Manager, Administration, Port Harcourt District, Mr. Joseph Ajilore, said the relationship was formalized in an agreement on the commitments of the company to providing sustainable development projects and programmes for human and capacity development and on the commitments by the communities to provide peaceful ambience for the safe conduct of Total’s business in the area.
*Daily Independent