ExxonMobil yesterday announced that the company would invest $43million (N13billion) within the next 18 months in Akwa Ibom state to facilitate health, economic empowerment and education projects in the state. This investment by the company will make it one of the biggest community investments by any indigenous or multinational company in Nigeria.
The three projects that will be sponsored include a technical skills centre in Ikot Akata and a trauma centre and engineering complex, both at the University of Uyo.
According to Paul McGrath, Chairman and managing director of Mobil Producing Nigeria, the investment would provide long-term health, education and economic benefits to the people of the affected communities. He said the company will continue to work with the state to keep improving the quality of life of the people in the community.
The trauma centre will aim to reduce mortality rates in major medical emergencies. It will include a theatre, helipad, ambulance bay, mini labs, administrative offices, seminar rooms, radiology units, pharmacy and many more features; all of which will be housed in a two-floor medical building.
The technical skills centre will be geared more towards the oil and gas sector. So skills such as pipeline fabrication, welding, chemical lab works, civil work, design and others can be acquired in this centre. It is projected to educate over one hundred students annually.
Finally, the engineering complex, which is expected to serve about 2000 students, will be equipped with generators, workshops, lecture theatre, conference rooms and faculty offices.
Photo Credit: faz net
