Akwa Ibom Backs Seplat Partnership As Eno Welcomes New CEO Effiong Okon
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH
AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured investors of his administration’s continued support, saying the state will protect legitimate investments and provide an environment conducive to business growth.
Eno gave the assurance when the management of Seplat Energy, led by its chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, visited him at the Government House in Uyo.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the company to formally introduce its new Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon, to the governor.
Eno congratulated Okon on his appointment and assumption of office. He said the new position carries responsibilities not only to Seplat Energy but also to Akwa Ibom, where the company operates and maintains relationships with host communities.
The governor praised Seplat for what he described as its sense of responsibility and collaboration with the state government.
He, however, urged the energy company to deepen its impact on host communities and contribute more to the development of the state.
According to Eno, sustained cooperation between government and investors remains important to Akwa Ibom’s development strategy.
He also linked the state’s investment environment to its relative peace, noting that government, security agencies and residents have worked together to maintain stability.
The governor pledged to continue supporting that partnership.
He also commended Udoma, whom he described as one of the state’s prominent sons, and expressed confidence in the new Seplat management.
Eno said the company could build on its existing relationship with the state to achieve its objectives while delivering greater benefits to communities.
Earlier, Udoma praised the governor for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to introduce Okon and establish a stronger working relationship between the new Seplat management and the state government.
For Okon, the appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to his home state while advancing Seplat Energy’s corporate objectives.
He expressed delight at returning home to work for the benefit of Akwa Ibom and its people while serving the company.
Other members of the Seplat delegation included Director of External Affairs and Social Performance Chioma Afe, Managing Director of Offshore Operations Ikponwonsa Ogunwonyi, Vice President of Human Resources Emo Udobong-Ntia and Vice President of Joint Venture Operations John Itsueli.
Members of the governor’s team included Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
