Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, led a delegation of investors from Preheat Energy to seek investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking with Governor Umo Eno during the meeting, Jonathan said the investors were interested in the abundant gas reserves in AKwa Ibom, adding that he was delighted to be part of the delegation.
“When the group came to me and asked that I facilitate their coming here, I said that Akwa Ibom was one state that I like visiting.
“Preheat Energy indicated their interest in gas; I know that Akwa Ibom has gas for domestic use and power generation. And with the commitment of the government, we have already handed over the thing to the relevant ministries and I believe that this project will take off very fast.
“The group selected Akwa Ibom because the state focuses on development and peace. Akwa Ibom is peaceful, and without peace, there can be no development,” Jonathan said.
Governor Eno, speaking on the visit, appreciated the former president for leading the team of investors to the oil-rich state.
Eno, who described Jonathan as a man of peace, said Akwa Ibom was one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria to do business. He assured that the government would provide the necessary support to enable a smooth take-off of the Preheat project.
“We look forward to working with you, we have an Ibom Industrial City, and it is around the area where we are trying to set up our Ibom Deep Sea Port and Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
“We believe that the area will provide the kind of site you are looking for. We have a lot of organisations that have met with us for business opportunities there, but we just want to make sure that we identify the right people as we go into this gas business. But because this delegation has the endorsement of no less a person than the former president, we will certainly give you land.
“I am not used to many words, but I think I can only tell you that this is the safest place to be and do business. We are one of the most peaceful states in this country. We have good infrastructure, and you can use our good road network too.
“From any local government to Uyo, the state capital is a maximum of one hour. We have one of the best road networks in this country outside Abuja, and you will find Akwa Ibom people very hospitable.
“We trust that this relationship will continue as we begin this journey today, and I ask that you should please feel at home, we will not disappoint you,” he said.
The governor seized the moment to invite the former president to commission the 1.3km, 8m Deep 2X2X0.3m underground flood control tunnel, the reconstructed section of Atiku Abubakar Road with streetlight and Afaha Ube Street, in Uyo, the state capital.
Earlier, Azibaola Robert, the vice president of Preheat Energy, said they have been in business for over five years with partners across the globe. Robert said given the current climate change experience, there was a need to de-emphasise the use of fossil fuels and concentrate on liquefied natural gas.
