Oriental Energy hands over refurbished Teachers’ Quarters to Effiat Community
…as Ministry of Environment, Education, SUBEB, Ors hail Oriental Energy
By Imó Etim
Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL), in one of their measures to promote inclusive and quality education in Akwa Ibom, has handed over a refurbished Teachers’ Quarters to Ibuot Utan, Effiat Community in Mbo LGA.
The renovation of Teachers’ Quarters, according to OERL became necessary in a bid to promote retention of teachers posted to the school, as well as increase the level of educational attainments by young people in the Effiat community.
At the official commissioning/handing over ceremony held at Saint Monica’s (RCM) Primary School compound on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, The Managing Director of OERL, Mr. Mustafa Indimi, who was represented by Dr. Uwem Ite–Head, Community Relations of OERL, noted that besides Community Health, Enterprise Development and Capacity building, Education and Human Capital Development remains the core areas of the company’s social investment interventions in Akwa Ibom State.
He stressed that the refurbishment of the Teachers’ Quarters was in fulfillment of a promise made to the community during the commissioning of classroom blocks on August 18, 2022, adding that the two projects so far completed in the school were in line with the efforts to meet with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education) and hinted that a contractor from the community (De Abris Services Nigeria Ltd) was found competent to deliver the job.
Indimi also pledged commitment to the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, through the inauguration of the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities Development Trust, in May 2024, noting that the Trust will be receiving annual funding from Oriental Energy for the purpose of sustainable development in Effiat, Ebughu, Enwang, Uda and Udesi communities of Mbo.
“As many of you will recall, we gathered at this same venue on Thursday, 18th August 2022, for a commissioning and handing over ceremony, after the refurbishment of the building and classrooms, supply of furniture, and provision of modern toilet facilities for this school.
“During the event, we also announced our plans to embark on the rehabilitation of the adjoining Teachers’ Quarters. As of today, we fulfilled that promise by completing the project. Furthermore, in line with our commitment to Enterprise Development and Support, a contractor from the Effiat community was found competent, and therefore chosen to deliver the project.
“ The overall goal was to encourage retention of teachers posted to this school as well as increase the levels of educational attainment by young people in Effiat community,” Indimi said.
The Chairman, of the State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB), Rt Hon. Dr. Anietie Etuk who was represented by Sir John Udoh—Board Member, Directorate of School Services, poured heaps of encomiums on OERL for their unwavering support for education in Akwa Ibom, adding that such moves aligned well with Governor Eno’s policy on education.
“I sincerely commend your pragmatic approach to community development, exemplified by this project. This is yet another testament to your unwavering commitment to fostering growth and development in your host communities. Your efforts align seamlessly with His Excellency 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 SUBEB Chairman also commended the host community for providing an enabling environment for work and other projects to thrive.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Iquo Abia, Esq, also expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the OERL ‘s role in enhancing education and other social investment programmes in the State, pledging the Ministry’s resolve to continuously synergize with the company and other stakeholders for a sustainable environment that aids businesses to thrive in the State.
She said, “ Let me appreciate Oriental Energy Resources Limited for this milestone achievement with its rich history to demonstrate a niche in various educational support programmes and other social safety investments over the years in the State.
“Undoubtedly, providing a conducive living environment for teachers is a practical step to enhance the quality of Education as it will motivate the educators and foster commitment to nurture the young minds in the Communities to attain educational excellence as a foundational imperative to global recognition.
“As a Ministry, we are poised to continue to maintain synergy with your Company and relevant stakeholders to provide a conducive environment for oil/ gas activities that will cascade to sustainable peace for meaningful development of the State.”
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, as represented by the Director of Pre-primary Education, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Esther Ekotumoh lauded OERL’s commitment to the education sector of the State, describing it as an investment and a strategic move to enhancing the overall development of children, stressing that such move was also inline with one of the core pillars of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
“Education remains the foundation for building a prosperous society, and the role of teachers in this process cannot be overemphasized. Providing conducive residential quarters for our teachers is not just an investment in their comfort but a strategic move to enhance their productivity and overall contribution to the development of our children.
“I heartily commend the management of Oriental Energy Resources Limited who have worked tirelessly to make this beautiful project a reality. This facility represents your commitment and unfeigned dedication to the holistic development of the people of the communities in our nation, especially the indigents,” she said.
Hon. Odiong Etim, the Executive Chairman, of Mbo Local Government Area, in his goodwill message, thanked OERL for their stance in supporting education, adding that it behooves them to continue maintaining a good synergy to promote development through education and other key areas. Hon. Odiong also extolled the efforts of teachers in shaping the lives of young ones, adding that teachers deserve to live well in society.
Chief Mathias Nta, Village Head of Ibuot Utan, appreciated OERL for the impactful works they have attracted to the community and appealed to the company to see to the improvement of the quality the borehole water project in order to make it potable, highlighting that potable water was equally of great concerns to the Effiat and Mbo people as a whole.
The Teachers’ Quarters consist of seven (7) one-bedroom apartments with solar-powered lighting and water supply systems, as well as other internal and external fittings put in place to ensure the occupants enjoy lasting comfort.
Mr. Augustine Effiong, Head Teacher of the school noted that although the facility had witnessed some level of vandalism in the past, the school has been repositioned for better academic activities, thanking OERL for their efforts in seeing that St. Monica Primary School, Ibuot Utan, considered one of the oldest schools in Effiat Clan, founded in 1925 regained its glory.
The official ribbon-cutting was performed by a representative of the Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Esther Ekotumoh while the unveiling of the plaque was done by Sir John Udoh, Board Member, School Services who represented the SUBEB Chairman. The MD of OERL (Repped by Dr. Ite) also handed over documents and inventory to the Village Head of the community as well as the Ministry of Education.
Dignitaries present on the occasion include; Engr Anietie Emmah — Director of Petroleum, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Chief Etim Bassey Emmah — Representative of Effiat Clan Council of Chiefs and Barr. Inam Okon — Chairman, Effiat and Mbo Host Community Development Trust.
In the Oriental Energy Team were; Mr. Anslem Okere – Manager, Community Relations, Mr. Charles Bob – Security Manager, Mr. Gregory Okpo – Team Lead, Community Relations, Mr. Olayinka Ibidoja – Supervisor Environment, Health & Safety.
Other guests from the government include Dr. Roseline Mfon – Permanent Secretary represented by Mr. Ekereobong Eddie, Assistant Director, Ministry of Education Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Mandu Ekpenyong – Director of School Services, Universal Basic Education Board, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Nkoyo Eyekung – Executive Secretary Local Education Authority, Mbo LGA, Engineer Rex Idung – Petroleum Engineer, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Env. & Mineral Resources, men, youths, women, and Traditional Rulers amongst others.