The Deputy Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dennis Berthelot, has reiterated the company’s determination to ensure integrated development in Egi land.
Mr. Berthelot gave the assurance while speaking during the Igwaji ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2012 Egi New Yam Festival (Egwu-Ogba) at Egi town in Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government area of Rivers State.
According to him, “in the coming months we should see integrated developments in Egi land as projects such as the Egi Blown Film Factory, the SME development Network in Obite, the HP Map Centre in Obagi, the Egi Technical Workshop in Erema, among others, adding that the Egi entrance gate project which has commenced were signs of other good things to come to Egi land.
The deputy managing director who reviewed some of the progresses made in the area, noted that the company renewed the two partnership agreement with the people of Egi: the TEPNG/Egi clan the TEPNG/Egi Oil and Gas Producing Families and Communities, adding that the agreements carry very strong sustainable development initiatives and intended to chart the course of strategic development in Egi land in the next five years. He pointed out that the implementing committee is already at work and the main focus will be on sustainable project in line with the Egi integrated development master plan.
He appreciated the leadership of Egi Peoples Assembly, the Eze Ego, HRM Eze Kingdom Elemchukwu Elenwa (the Eze Ogbaukwu), CPA, Ambassador of Peace, JP., the zonal traditional rulers and all Ochio-Ohas of Egi clan for the way and manner they have guided the community during these years of close partnership with TEPNG.
He thanked the state government, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Ogba Egbeme Ndoni LGA for their supports for their operations, adding that their partnership and principles will be strengthened as they will continue to give their honour and corperation to Egi people.
In his speech, HRM Eze Dr. Kingdom Elemchukwu Elenwa JP the Eze Egi of Ogbaland (Eze Ogba Ukwu) described the event as a unique day in the life of the people of Egi.
Eze Elenchukwu noted that Egi New Yam Festival celebration was a season of love, peace unity and solidarity
According to him, “over the years we have experienced a cordial relationship with the Total E & P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG). The magnitude of love showed to our people is a demonstration of strong partnership for sustainable community development. He called for its sustainability.
The royal father called on other partners to emulate the good works of Total E & P Nigeria Limited and showcase their development in Egi land.
The royal father who noted that they have made progress stressed that they have security challenges and called on the security agencies, government, companies, NGOs and other to partner with Egi people to address the security challenges, facing the community.
He commended Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his love and his disposition to Egi people, and commended the Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA for providing an enabling environment and those who contributed to the success of the festival.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Daniel N. Oguma a lecturer in the Ignatius Ajuru University, noted that the celebration was to make sacrifice to sustain the cultural heritage of Egi and urged the people of the area not to relent in sustaining their culture.
He called on the Total E&P and other companies operating in the area to encourage the people of Egi by giving the youth’s scholarship and empowerment.
Performing the foundation laying ceremony of Egi palace, Hon. Raymond Wokocha expressed joy that the foundation laying ceremony was performed was for the betterment of Egi and wished the people of Egi happy celebration of their new yam festival. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
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