- April 30, 2024
- Posted by: Destiny Young
- Category: News
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, has performed the ground-breaking for a 20,000 metric tonnes Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG Depot by Windek Energy at the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in Atabrikang, Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State.
The ground-breaking according to Jada was in consonance with the Authority’s drive at making available a conducive environment for promoting, securing and sustaining investments in the nation’s oil and gas free zones.
Going by the volume of investment interest the Authority has so far received for the zone, the CEO hinted that the event marked the beginning of many more ground-breaking events in the zone for the year 2024. He explained the reason for this to be the friendly business policies initiated by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, for the benefit of the nation’s economy.
“The new surge of positive interest by investors in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones is the result of recent policy reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his renewed hope agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s investment climate and improving our economic competitiveness”, he expressed.
While announcing their readiness to support investors, Jada assured that OGFZA was committed to removing all bottlenecks that might cause a hindrance to ease of doing business in the zones, while prioritizing on a conducive environment for investors operating there.
Furthermore, he conveyed the joyful felicitations of the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite whom he said had directed the unhindered delivery of the project due to its strategic importance and the knowledge that gas is cleaner and safer environmentally, compared to the conventional fossil fuel.
He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for the friendly disposition shown the Authority as well as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Obong Ekpereikpe Ekpo for his contributions at driving strategic investments in the zone.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Mrs. Nosa Igiehon Okunbo informed that Windek’s overall goal is to engender integrated and sustainable energy solutions that would result in less deaths, cleaner air, and improved wealth distribution.
“The project reflects our global vision at Windek Energy to harness our vision for good energy and turn challenges into opportunities. It is about enhancing lives and ensuring that mothers can cook meals without risking their health. So we are not just building for today but empowering generations to come”, she stated.
“We see ourselves as a major infrastructural partner in the energy transition. The company is committed to developing and deploying renewable energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and accessible to all. We would eventually provide financing solutions that make it easier for companies and individuals to invest in renewable energy”, she maintained.
Commending Windek Energy on their visionary commitment to clean energy, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo said the project marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy security and economic prosperity.
“The establishment of this LPG depot underscores the importance of strategic investment in the gas sector which is pivotal for driving industrialization, creating jobs and improving the livelihood of our people”.
“It holds immense promise not only for the people of Akwa Ibom State but for the entire nation. It will enhance access to clean and affordable cooking gas, thereby promoting public health and environmental sustainability, while stimulating economic growth for catalysing investment, fostering innovation and facilitating the emergence of new industries and value chain”, he maintained.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno who guaranteed the company of a favourable business environment, noted that the ground-breaking was a significant milestone in the development of the State energy infrastructure and the broader economic landscape of Nigeria.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, he expressed that the establishment of Windek Energy’s presence in the State signifies a potential for growth and prosperity within the State, considering opportunities the oil and gas sector creates for job creation, investment and sustainable development.
“By promoting the use of cleaner fuels such as LPG, we contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change while ensuring a reliable energy supply for citizens. So, the depot will not only meet the growing demand for LPG but will position Akwa Ibom as a key player in the global energy market”, the Governor remarked.
In his remarks, the Village Head of Atabrikang, Obong Emmanuel Peter Mkpokunam was thankful to Windek Energy for siting their establishment in the community. He noted that the development will facilitate an increase in population and subsequent business boom in the area, while assuring that no form of unrest from the community would threaten the existence and smooth running of the company.
His position was corroborated by the immediate past Youth President of Atabrikang, Comrade Gospel Obio Japhet who pledged their readiness to embrace the company as well as their willingness to contribute whatever was needful for its sustained presence.
The event featured a presentation on Strategies for Successful Market Penetration in LPG Industry: Policy, Funding, LPG Supply, Local Content and Domestic Partnerships by Emmanuel Uwandu, CEO, Gas 360 and Ed Ubong, CEO, Decade of Gas.
Goodwill messages were also received by Stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector while guests were taken on a guided tour of the project site and shown a physical model review of the site layout.
The Ground-breaking was performed by the MD/CEO, Windek Energy, Mrs. Nosa Okunbo, assisted by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo; MD/CEO Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Bamanga Usma Jada; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi; MD/CEO Gas 360, Emmanuel Uwandu among others.
Others were community leaders including the Paramount Ruler, Ibeno Local Government Area, HRM Obong Effiong Bassey Achaianga, represented by Ibeno Clan Council Secretary, Chief Okon Udofia Okon; Transition Committee Chairmen of Ibeno, Hon. Emma John Ibok and his Eastern Obolo counterpart.
