Idara Jerome, Uyo
The new Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Engr Effiong Okon, has sought the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government and host communities as he begins his tenure at the helm of the energy company.
Okon made the appeal when the Board and senior management of Seplat Energy visited Governor Umo Eno at the Government House, Uyo, where he was formally introduced to the governor.
The meeting also brought peace, investment and host-community development to the centre of discussions, with Governor Eno assuring the company of the state government’s commitment to maintaining a stable environment for businesses and investors.
Eno described peace as a critical driver of development and investment, stressing that his administration was intentional about preserving the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.
While pledging government support for Okon, the governor challenged Seplat Energy to go beyond existing corporate social investment efforts and surpass the interventions previously undertaken by ExxonMobil, particularly in improving the welfare and economic prospects of its host communities.
Okon, an Akwa Ibom indigene, said he was delighted to return home to contribute to the development of the state while advancing Seplat Energy’s business objectives. He noted that the company’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian upstream business had significantly expanded its portfolio, including offshore assets.
The Seplat CEO said he hoped his tenure would produce visible benefits for the company, host communities and the state, while seeking cooperation from the governor and residents to enable the company achieve its operational targets.
The visit also marked the formal introduction of the new leadership following the transition from former CEO Roger Brown. Board Chairman Senator Udoma Udo Udoma said the company considered it important to introduce the new helmsman to the governor, as it had done following Seplat’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s interests.
The meeting therefore placed the quality of Seplat’s relationship with Akwa Ibom and its host communities alongside the company’s expanded offshore operations, with both sides signalling the need for cooperation as the new leadership begins its tenure.
