Oriental Energy Resources Limited has renovated, commissioned and handed over teachers’ quarters at St. Monica’s School, Ibuot Utan in Mbo local government area, Akwa Ibom State.
The renovated 99-year old school staff quarters, was said to have been vandalized during internal crisis in the community.
Inaugurating the project on Tuesday December 10, the Managing Director of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Mr. Mustafa Indimi said the project is another practical demonstration of the company’s unwavering commitment to support education and human capital development in Effiat community and Akwa Ibom State in general.
The Managing Director who was represented by Head, Community and Government Relations of the company, Dr. Uwem Ite noted that the overall goal of the project was to encourage retention of teachers posted to the school as well as increase the level of educational attainment by young people living in Effiat Community.
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He recalled that the decision to undertake the renovated facility was conceived on Thursday, 18th August 2022 during the commissioning and handing over ceremony of a refurbished block of classrooms, supply of furniture and provision of modern toilet facilities for the school.
The Managing Director declared that allocation of funding for specific projects and programs will be based on the approved Community Needs Assessment and Development Plan, prepared by Oriental Energy, in collaboration with the communities, including Effiat community.
“In addition, the two projects we have completed at this school serve as evidence of our modest contribution towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promotion of lifelong learning. It also advocates free, quality primary and secondary education for every child.
“Beyond these two projects in Effiat community, and in compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, we inaugurated the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities Development Trust, in May this year. The Trust will be receiving annual funding from Oriental Energy for the purpose of sustainable development in Effiat, Ebughu, Enwang. Uda and Udesi communities in Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
“To ensure efficient and effective delivery of approved projects and programs for the benefit of the communities, we expect all members of the Board of the Trustees, Management and Advisory Committees of the Trust to adhere strictly to the Operating Manual and Code of Conduct for the Trust.” Indimi disclosed.
Indimi pledged Oriental Energy’s commitment to support the provision of healthcare services in Effiat community through rehabilitation, supply, and installation of equipment at the dilapidated health facility in Akwa Obio, Effiat which he said work has commenced.
In her speech, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, represented by Director, Pre-primary and Special Education, Mrs. Esther Umoh commended the management of Oriental Energy Resources Limited for working tirelessly to ensure the project became a reality.
She described the facility as a representation of Oriental Energy’s commitment and dedication to holistic development of the people of Effiat, especially the indigents.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Commission (SUBEB) Dr. Anietie Etuk, hailed Oriental Energy’s pragmatic approach to community development as exemplified by the project.
Represented by Board Member in charge of School Services, Sir John Udoh, the Executive Chairman affirmed that the company’s efforts align seamlessly Governor Umo Eno’s visionary approach to advancing education in Akwa Ibom State.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of the sensitivity and responsiveness of Oriental Energy Resources Limited to the needs of its host communities, particularly the Effiat community in Mbo Local Government. This milestone achievement will undoubtedly inspire further developmental interventions across other communities in the state.”
The Executive Chairman, Mbo Local Government Area, Hon. Odiong Etim described the commissioning as a reminder of shared responsibility between Mbo Local Government and Oriental Energy Resources Limited to prioritise education and to invest in educators.
The chairman averred Oriental Energy’s action as a testament to the understanding that when teachers are well-supported, they, in turn, can offer the best education to future generations.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Augustine Effiong, appreciated the company. He said the facility will help teachers to be more effective and efficient in their role of instructing and molding children under their care.
Others who also gave goodwill messages were; Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Matters in charge of Eket Senatorial District, Mr. Godswill Ekpenyong; representative of Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources, Engr Anietie Emah, Chairman Board of Trustee, Village head of the community among others.
The highpoint of the event was handing over of keys to the teachers quarters which consist a block of seven one-bedroom apartments with Solar-powered lighting and water supply systems as well as other internal and external features.
