Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, built, commissioned and handed over two fully furnished Basic Primary Health Care Centres to Umu-Eziogoli community in Ukwuani Local Government Area and Umuseti-Ogbe community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
While handing over the edifices, the Managing Director of Nigeria Gas Company Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who was represented by the Executive Director, Support Services, Mrs Uche Ossai, said that the company is committed to developing a robust and sustainable relationship with its host communities.
According to the NGC MD, “The wellbeing of our host communities is paramount in our Corporate Social Responsibility thrust, and this is simply why we are here today. Therefore, we present to you these Basic Health Centres as a token of our contribution to the development of both communities which we cherish Dearly as one of our peace-loving communities.
“On our part as a company, we shall continue to solicit your co-operation and assistance in the maintenance of peace in order to support our business growth aspirations for the benefit of our people in these communities and Nigerians generally.
“Let me reiterate, that NGC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of any issue. This, indeed, is the hallmark of our community relations engagement process. We would appreciate direct contact with NGC Management through our Public Affairs Department on any community issues and not through a third party. Problems are better solved where there is constant communication between entities with vested interest, for the mutual benefit of all.
“Finally, let me appeal to you as communities, that this Health Centre is yours, we, therefore, urge you to safeguard it by putting in place adequate security measures to protect it.”
Those who responded for both communities were: Mr Ogochukwu Nwose, Chairman Umu-Eziogoli community, Barr. Nelson Enumah, and Mr Kingsley Chukwutem Ndiom, Chairman CDC, Umuseti-Ogbe, Mr George Oliseh for Umu Odia/Achi family.
They all commended Nigerian Gas Company Limited for the kind gestures, promising to secure both facilities and ensure that they both serve the essence of which it was provided, and also urge the Delta State Primary Health Care Board and both Local to work in synergy in order to put both facilities into use in no distant time.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah and Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, who was represented by Mrs Gladys Priegere, commended NGC for establishing these Health Centres as parts of its Corporate Social Responsibility, noting that, both projects will complement the efforts of the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who is very passionate about the health and well-being of Deltans.
The SSG added that: “In no doubt, the event of today testified to an existing cordial relationship between NGC and the host communities (Umu-Eziogoli and Umuseti-Ogbe). With peaceful environment, Corporate Social Responsibility can be attracted to a community.
“Therefore we want to appeal to both communities to sustain cordial relationships they have shown to the company. By so doing, we know the company will put more developmental infrastructures in these communities. In the same vein, I enjoined all companies operating in the state to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility to their host communities.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. C.S.P Ajede, represented by Okpor Elias and the Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Hon Chief Goddey Obi Nzete, represented by Augustine Ogochukwu Okom, Secretary to Ndokwa West Local Government Council. They commended NGC over the establishment of the Health Care Center in both communities, noting that, they will work in synergy with the State Primary Health Care Board to ensure that both facilities are put into use in no distant time.