Total Set to Strengthen Economy of Host Communities

 

Berthelot said this during the inauguration of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Total Nigeria Ltd. joint venture projects in Obite, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

Reports say that the projects commissioned were the Small/Medium Enterprise Development Network (SME-DN) centre and the Egi Arts and Culture Development Centre in Obite.

Others were the Egi Technical Workshop in Erema community and Hp Microenterprise Acceleration Programme (MAP) Centre in Obagi community.

He said that the projects were aimed at involving the people in economic development programmes and to strategise development in the area.

According to Berthelot, Total’s decision to shift from infrastructure to human capital and entrepreneurship development is a step in the right direction.

He said that he was optimistic that SME-DN would harness numerous economic resources and opportunities of host communities.

Berthelot said that the socio-economic growth could not be over-emphasised in human capital development.

He said that the projects would remain landmark achievements in the partnership history of the people and Total E& P Nigeria Ltd.

``This is another significant milestone in our operational relationship with our host communities,” Berthelot said.

Rev. Mike Yeshua, Centre Manager of the projects, said that the projects would create wealth and employment and fortify the local economy.

``This is an opportunity for capacity building and I thank God our people are beginning to realise the importance of self-determination.

``The paradigm is gradually shifting from contract-driven to enterprise-driven economy,” he said.

Yeshua said that the programme would also sustain empowerment and partnership even when oil and gas would be shut down.

Mr Raymond Wokochia, the Chairman, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, commended the gesture of Total E& P Nigeria Ltd, saying that the projects would be properly used by the people.

Wokochia urged the communities to support the scheme through proper handling of the facilities.

He gave the assurance that his administration would continue to promote policies that would develop the council and empower its people.