The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has urged private sector investors in the oil and gas sector to commit more funds to their corporate social responsibility programmes, particularly in the education and health sectors.
He stated this on Tuesday in a statement issued by the spokesman of the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Louis Ibah.
According to the release, Ekpo made the remarks at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the opening ceremony of the accident and emergency unit facility reconstructed, equipped by the Nigeria LNG Limited as part of its Hospital Support Programme.
The minister made cash donations to the management of the hospital to support the stocking of drugs at the new pharmacy of the accident and emergency unit and to offset the medical bills of some patients brought in on emergency but who can’t afford to foot their bills.
The minister said, “The NLNG intervention in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and other ones completed and donated to other teaching hospitals in universities across the country was in consonance with the priorities of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.”
He also charged other companies doing business in the oil and gas sector to emulate the NLNG.
“The NLNG project in healthcare facilities in our universities is in consonance with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which focuses on education, health and social investments as essential pillars of development,” Ekpo asserted.
According to Ekpo, the NLNG Hospital Support Programme epitomises a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
“This initiative is not just a corporate social responsibility endeavour; it is a lifeline to millions of Nigerians, providing access to improved healthcare facilities and services.
This is an endeavour I am most proud of and wish that more operating companies in the energy sector will replicate across the health and education sector,” Ekpo added.
The minister assured guests at the event of the commitment of the oil and gas sector to offering a multi-purpose approach in its bid to significantly contribute to national development.
The gas minister commended the NLNG for its foresight and unwavering dedication to national development.
“This is not just an investment in bricks and mortar; they are investments in our most valuable resource – our people. I charge other corporate entities to emulate the NLNG initiative to advance private sector frontiers to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of our citizens. The importance of this project,” he said.
He charged the management of the University Teaching Hospital to ensure that the facility was properly maintained and utilised to its fullest potential to save lives.
The minister also laid a new foundation for the construction of another medical facility at the teaching hospital.
Ekpo said, “Today, as we gather to officially hand over the renovated and equipped accident and emergency unit at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. We are not just opening a facility, we are unlocking opportunities and renewing hope for better health outcomes, for faster and more efficient emergency care, and for the enhancement of medical education and research.
“The importance of this project cannot be overstated, especially in a time when this administration is ramping up programmes to improve healthcare system in Nigeria.”
According to the minister, the strengthened capacity for emergency care and response that this unit brings is a beacon of hope and reassurance for the people of Uyo and its environs.
