Abasiubong Tom
Gov Emmanuel flags off 5000 barrel modular refinery
UYO—
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, performed the official foundation laying ceremony for the establishment of a 5000 barrel refinery located in Ikwe community, in Onna Local Government Area. Emmanuel, who was represented by Chairman, Foreign Direct Investment Committee, Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh, appreciated the management of Ikwe-Onna Refinery Limited for keying into his vision to industrialize the state.
He said: “I have always said that though government plays key role in the lives of the people it is not the only source of growth and development. Government’s role is to provide social services and ensure that people have a conducive environment to aspire and achieve their dreams. So far, we have done that.
What we are witnessing today represents a concrete move in that direction. I will personally visit the place to see how it is progressing. When completed, this project will open up this area to a wide range of economic activities. It will also create jobs for the teeming youths of this area and its environs.
Gov Emmanuel Udom “I, therefore, urge the youths of this community to maintain the peace and deep sense of cooperation with the contractors and be good ambassadors of this community. We have endeavoured to keep our campaign promises by executing a number of laudable projects in infrastructure, agriculture and in investment.
We shall continue to keep our eyes on the ball. No one can pull us down.” In his remarks, the Managing Director of Ikwe-Onna Refinery Limited, Mr. Daminabo Ogaji, said the project was designed as a model to encourage local refinery development and peaceful operation aimed at ensuring an end to the incessant short supply of petroleum products causing a huge drag on Nigerian Forex reserve.
“We are determined and ready to use our position to drive a unique industrial revolution, being one of the foremost local content refinery promoters in Nigeria and in West Africa to deepen refining capacity of Nigeria and indeed Africa.”
Earlier, founder and Chairman, Board of the company, Mr. Bassey Rex, said: “With a startup capacity of 5,000 barrels per day, to be beefed up to 20, 000 bpd in the medium term, and further to at least 100, 000 bpd in the long term. A total of 50.1 hectares of land have been earmarked for the purpose of the project.”