BY NKECHI NAECHE —In bid to give back to the people of Akwa Ibom State, ExxonMobil has revealed plans to invest N13 billion (US$43 million) in Akwa Ibom State in the next 18 months.
According to the oil producing giant it would be investing in three community projects within the state
Speaking on the investment Paul McGrath, Chairman and Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria said the three projects 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.
He said; “These investments will provide long-term health, education and economic benefits to many in our communities,” said Paul McGrath, chairman and managing director of Mobil Producing Nigeria.
“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.”
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel assured that his administration is ready to provide all necessary support and an enabling environment for successful completion of the project.
The technical skill is made up 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. The centre 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; a helipad; ambulance bay and triage area; high dependency and radiology units; mini labs; wards; pharmacy; administrative offices; library; and doctor, call and seminar rooms.
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.
