In its long-standing commitment to support teaching, learning and research, an indigenous oil firm, Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL) has handed over the first phase of a climate monitoring and observation station to University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Likewise, OERL had an interactive session with House of Representatives Committee on Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility who visited and inspected Corporate Social Responsibilities projects executed by OERL in Akwa Ibom State.
The facility installed at the main campus of the university is expected to provide practical experience in the various components of climatology and climate change studies in the university.
It will also encourage research in climate-related studies across several disciplines within the university, lay the foundation for the introduction of capacity building programmes on climate and meteorology for internal and external clients, as well as contribute to the website of information used by Nigerian Meteorological Agency for forecasts, thereby establishing the university as an effective player in generating climate information for the use within and outside Nigeria.
The Managing Director of the oil firm, Mr. Mustafa Indimi, while handing over the facility to the management of the university, said the project is a practical demonstration of Oriental Energy’s contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 as adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.
Indimi, represented by the Head of External Relations, Mr. Kazeem Koleoso, said the company is committed to partnering the government and the private sector to combat the negative effects of climate change in the country.
According to him, “In specific terms, SDG 13 (Climate Action) requires that urgent steps are taken by the public and private sectors to combat climate change and its impacts, by mitigating its effects, promoting adaptation, and increasing resilience to climate-related hazards.
“This is very important because every person in every country and in every continent of the world will be impacted by the negatives effects of climate change.
“Beyond donating the climate monitoring and observation station to the University of Uyo, Oriental Energy has been taking significant steps to reduce its environmental footprints, especially through our de-carbonation journey.
“We have continued to make progress towards the reduction of emissions from our operations. Our approach to flare reduction is in line with industry standards.
“We are also taking actions to improve our monitoring of carbon emissions, especially when it comes to methane. We are currently reviewing plans to eliminate flaring at our Ebok field while development plans for Okwok field include a zero-flare concept from the start.”
In the same vien, during the interactive session with House of Representatives Committee on Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility, the managing director OERL, said the company believes in creating positive sustainable footprints through projects and programmes that improve the quality of life in various communities, stressing that proactive stakeholders’ engagement with government stakeholders as well as its strategic social investment in Akwa Ibom State.
lso speaking, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Professor Oby Lilian Orogbu, commended Oriental Energy for donating the facility to the university.
Orogbu noted that the company has contributed to environmental sustainability and scientific research in Nigeria.
She said: “Procuring the equipment and ensuring installation of this station demonstrates the company’s clear understanding of the environmental challenges we face and the willingness to be part of the solution.
The university’s vice chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, thanked Oriental Energy for the gesture, saying it will help the institution deepen its exploits in areas of climatology research.
Ndaeyo urged the company to commence the second phase of the project to optimise the usability and effectiveness of the station.
According to him, “therefore, like Oliver Twist, I, on behalf of the University of Uyo community, appeal to our donor to please direct the commencement of the second phase of the project, which is the building and monitoring aspect.
“The phase two of the project, when completed, will provide a shade or accommodation for students while undertaking practical studies at the station, especially during the rainy season.”
