…Promises Support for a Favorable Investment Environment
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed his appreciation for Seplat Energy Plc’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and their proactive engagement with local communities.
He assured the company of his administration’s continued backing and a supportive environment for their operations within the state.
Governor Oborevwori extended his assurances during a meeting with the Seplat Energy management team, led by CEO Mr. Roger Brown, at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.
He acknowledged the company’s effective community relations strategy, particularly highlighting their empowerment initiatives, educational support, and healthcare services as essential to fostering peace in oil-producing regions.
“As a long-time observer of your activities before assuming office, I have noted how you interact with and uplift your host communities. Your contributions, from educational donations to healthcare outreach, reflect a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility,” said Governor Oborevwori.
“The efforts you invest in community empowerment through educational resources, teacher training, and other CSR efforts deserve commendation.”
The governor further stated, “These initiatives facilitate harmonious relations between international oil firms and their host communities.
Your commitment to peace promotes increased production. As emphasized in my MORE Agenda, we will continue to create an enabling environment for your operations to flourish.”
Oborevwori also praised Seplat Energy’s employment practices, revealing that 30% of its workforce originates from Delta State.
He urged for more representation of local community members in leadership roles, commenting, “While hiring local talent is important, we also want to see more individuals from our communities in management positions in the future. I believe this will come to fruition.”
The governor addressed some challenges highlighted by Seplat Energy, assuring, “I understand there have been difficulties in your deeper operations that may not have been adequately communicated. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that these issues are resolved.”
“Today, our state holds a respected position nationally, thanks to our contributions at the federal level, achieved through peace and collaboration,” he added. “We prioritize dialogue over confrontation as a means of resolving grievances, since conflict does not benefit either the local communities or the companies involved. When production is halted, there can be no compliance with CSR obligations.”
Governor Oborevwori stressed, “Economic sabotage negatively impacts our crude oil production and deters investors, ultimately restricting job creation and wealth generation. I assure you we will strive for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Earlier, Mr. Roger Brown reiterated the strategic importance of Delta State to Seplat Energy’s growth, noting it hosts two of the company’s most valuable onshore blocks. He stated that prior to the ExxonMobil acquisition, 30% of their workforce consisted of Delta indigenes and highlighted key achievements, including nearing the completion of a gas plant in Sapele with a daily capacity of 1 million scf, along with integrated Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and future Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities.
Brown also emphasized the company’s ongoing CSR projects, which have benefitted over 50,000 students through the Pearls Quiz Programme, the establishment of five STEAM labs, and providing eye care for 2,000 patients through the “I Can See” initiative. Furthermore, he announced a plan to phase out routine gas flaring by 2025, five years ahead of Nigeria’s national target.
