The Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refining Company, Dr. Bafred Enjugu, said on Friday that the company would carry its host communities along in its development plan.

Enjugu stated this at the inauguration of Alesa community hall in Eleme Local Government Area, which was rehabilitated by Gel Utility Limited, a contracting firm with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Enjugu, who was represented by Mr. Felix Ejuweke, Manager, Public Affairs of the company, said that the management of the refinery was pleased with the cordial relationship it had with its host communities.

“We want to thank Alesa community for cooperating with the refinery and Gel Utility Company to carry out projects in your area. Port Harcourt Refinery is determined to carry its host communities along. We want to assure that we are solidly behind the company (Gel) in its efforts to impact positively on the lives of host communities,” he said.

The Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Emperor Nkpe, commended the company for fulfilling a promise it made to the people.

He said that the community was home to many multinational companies and would ensure that they carried out their operations peacefully.

Nkpe commended the company for its decision to award scholarship from secondary to university levels, to five indigenes of the community.

He said: “We want to call on other companies doing business here to emulate what Gel has done here. We know that there are bigger companies operating here and can do something for the people.

“Why there is crisis in some Niger Delta communities is that some companies see themselves as evil and refuse other people to work with them, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear.”

Earlier, Mr Deji Obatayo, General Manager, Projects Execution, Genesis Energy Group, said that Gel Utility was their subsidiary and commended Alesa community for cooperating with the firm in its operations.

He said that the company would provide other facilities for the hall to function effectively.

Obatayo announced that the company had approved scholarship to five indigenes of the community up to university level. (NAN)

•Photo shows Port Harcourt Refinery MD, Dr. Bafred Enjugu.

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