Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured Seplat Energy Plc of a peaceful and investment-friendly environment for its operations in the state. The Governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Board of Seplat Energy, led by its Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, to the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo. The visit was to formally introduce Seplat Energy's new Chief Executive Officer, Engr Effiong Okon.
Governor Eno congratulated Okon on his appointment, describing his emergence as a first of its kind for the people of Akwa Ibom State. He pledged the support of the state government and the people to the new CEO throughout his tenure. The Governor emphasized that Akwa Ibom State is intentional about maintaining peace, as it is a critical driver of development and investments.
During the visit, Governor Eno charged Seplat Energy to build on the corporate social investment initiatives of the former ExxonMobil by doing more to improve the fortunes of its host communities and the state. He commended Seplat Energy for its sense of responsibility, concern, and collaboration with the state government. The Governor expressed optimism that the relationship between Seplat Energy and the state government would be strengthened under Okon's leadership.
Seplat Energy's Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said the delegation was in Government House primarily to introduce Okon to the Governor following his assumption of office as Chief Executive Officer. Udoma recalled that following Seplat Energy's acquisition of the then ExxonMobil assets in 2024, he had visited the Government House to introduce the company's then CEO, Mr. Roger Brown.
The new CEO, Engr Effiong Okon, expressed delight at returning home to serve the people of Akwa Ibom while also leading Seplat Energy. He said Seplat Energy's acquisition of the former ExxonMobil assets had significantly expanded the company's portfolio, particularly through the addition of substantial offshore assets. Okon appealed for the continued support and cooperation of Governor Eno and the people of the state.
Okon expressed the hope that his tenure would translate into a visible positive impact for Seplat Energy, its host communities, and Akwa Ibom State. He emphasized the importance of continued engagement between Seplat Energy and the state government to achieve the company's targeted milestones. The Governor, in turn, expressed readiness to receive Okon on subsequent visits to the state.
Other members of the Seplat Energy delegation included Director, External Affairs, Chioma Afe; Managing Director, Offshore Operations, Ikponwosa Ogunwonyi; Vice President, Human Resources, Emo Udobong-Ntia; Vice President, Joint Venture Operations, John Itsueli; Manager, Government Relations, Effiong Esumo; Nsemeke Udoakpan and Emem Okon. The meeting demonstrated the commitment of both Seplat Energy and the state government to fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship.
Key points
- Governor Eno assures Seplat Energy of a peaceful environment for its operations in Akwa Ibom State.
- Eno demands that Seplat Energy surpass ExxonMobil's corporate social investment in host communities.
- Seplat Energy's new CEO, Engr Effiong Okon, seeks cooperation of government and people of Akwa Ibom to achieve company's operational targets.
