By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
Officials of the Ogun State Government and community leaders hailed Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), for their partnership in the reconstruction of a key community road that was inaugurated on Thursday in Ado–Odo, Otta Local Government Area.
The 4.5km Ilogbo road provides access to some 75 communities and was in a bad state until both companies who operate in the area intervened in support of the development of host communities, according to a statement by the Communications Manager, Gladys Afam-Anadu.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the inauguration, was quoted as saying: “Today, we celebrate more than just the completion of the road, we celebrate the building of connections that will improve lives and strengthen communities true to our administration’s vision.
“Creating an enabling environment for business through effective public private partnerships remains central to our development efforts.”
Also speaking, SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, said: “The rehabilitated road is a testament to our shared commitment to enhance the quality of life for the people of Ogun State and our collaboration with NGML exemplifies our unified approach to community development.
“At SNG, we take pride in working alongside NGML to deliver real benefits to the people we serve.”
The rehabilitated road is a testament to our shared commitment to enhance the quality of life for the people of Ogun State and our collaboration with NGML exemplifies our unified approach to community development.
Managing Director, NGML, Justin Ezeala, represented by the Executive Director Gas Distribution, Lawrence Chukwu, expressed similar sentiments: “We pride ourselves in the fact that we look after the needs and the interests of all our stakeholders.
“We take pride in ensuring that those people who are close to us, those people we relate to, that they feel the positive impact of the business activity that is taking place there. I believe that Ogun State is not an exception.”
The Olota of Otta-Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalenlege, represented by the Aro of Ota Ezekiel Fadipe., expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the project and commended them for involving artisans and other community labour in the construction process.
SNG has operated in Ogun State for over 20 years, setting up a thriving natural gas distribution business in the Agbara and Otta areas.
The supply of gas to industries has promoted industrialisation, created employment opportunities and increased internally generated revenue in the State.
The reconstruction of Ilogbo road presents an extension of these benefits, as it will open pathways for trade, connect local businesses to broader markets and ultimately contribute to the economic development of the community and its neighbours.
