The Grand Patriarch of the Efiks and the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V) has commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for inaugurating the Community Interface Committee for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) located at Odukpani, Cross River State.
He made the commendation after the inauguration of the Committee at the town hall meeting held for stakeholders of the Cross River NOGaPS project at Onim Ankiong in Odukpanu LGA of Cross River State.
Edidem Otu (V) stated that the NOGaPS project brought to Odukpani LGA would catalyse the development of Cross River State and applauded the kick-off ceremony with the contractors and their outlined work scopes. He enjoined the communities to support the project and ensure that the state takes its pride of place in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote lauded President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for approving for the award of contracts for the second phase of the Cross River State oil and gas park. He noted that the meeting was another milestone in the Board’s continuous engagement with key stakeholders on the ongoing development of NOGaPS in the area.
He commended the success so far recorded on the project with the maximum cooperation from the communities, especially, the fencing and sand works, describing them as the beginning of greater things to come.
Introducing the contractors, the Executive Secretary named Messrs Faith Plant Global Services International Limited as the contractor for the construction of the Capacity Building centre and EST Master Construction Limited as responsible for the construction of Security Gate and Administrative Building. Others are Altex Engineering Services Limited charged with the construction of the Hostel/Mini Estate, and Linzo Contracting Limited as the contractor for the construction of internal roads and drainage system.
He congratulated the contractors on their awards and urged them to use the delivery of the projects to further develop their capacities and that of the communities hosting the industrial park. He also expressed gratitude to the various communities for their cooperation and support on the development of the park, which according to him is expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of 2021.
Giving his remarks on behalf of the contractors, the CEO, Faith Plant Global International Services Limited, Evang. Michael Asuquo praised the Board for finding them worthy and fit to work on the project. He promised that the contractors would give host communities ample opportunities to work on the project.
Evang. Asuquo enjoined the youths to take advantage of the project and remain peaceful, focused and committed to the objectives. He disclosed that the success of the project thus far, was as a result of the unflinching support and doggedness of Engr. Simbi Wabote to grow indigenous capacity.
In his comments, the Acting Clan Head of Onim Ankiong Clan and Chairman of the CIC, Barr. Edet Etim Okon commended the NCDMB for brining the project to his community and solicited the support of every stakeholder to make the project a success. He assured the Executive Secretary that the CRS NOGaPS CIC will work effectively in line with the provisions of its Terms of Reference.
It could be recalled that the ground breaking ceremony of CRS NOGaPS was held in March 2018. The industrial park is expected to be commissioned in 2021.
