Sumedha Energy Limited, the joint venture between Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), Thursday hosted the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, during a courtesy visit to the company’s Base Office in Iko Town, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The visit formed part of the Minister’s field assessment tour of host communities in Eastern Obolo aimed at gaining firsthand insight into community realities, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and identifying opportunities for sustainable poverty reduction and inclusive development.
Dr. Doro was accompanied by the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, and the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Head of Security and Community Relations, Col. Deb Kumar Bose, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of Sumedha Energy’s operations in Akwa Ibom State. He noted that the company currently operates across 11 local government areas and maintains an average workforce of about 3,000 employees, underscoring its significant contribution to economic growth and job creation in the state.
Col. Bose highlighted the company’s commitment to local content development through the engagement of qualified local talents in its operations and value chain.
He emphasized that Sumedha Energy remains focused on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with its host communities while creating opportunities that enhance livelihoods and support sustainable development.
Col. Bose also highlighted the company’s robust Community Development Programme (CDP), which is designed to improve the quality of life in host communities. He noted that Sumedha Energy has consistently invested in critical infrastructure projects, healthcare interventions, educational support initiatives, and human capital development programmes across its areas of operation.
According to him, the company has undertaken projects including the provision of community infrastructure, support for healthcare services, educational scholarships and learning materials, vocational skills acquisition programmes, and empowerment initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods and creating sustainable economic opportunities for community members. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to drive inclusive growth and long-term development in its host communities.
The Honourable Minister commended the efforts of stakeholders working towards community development and explained that the purpose of the visit was to obtain a direct understanding of the conditions, challenges, and opportunities within the host communities.
“I came on this tour to have a direct feel of the communities and gain a better perspective of their realities,” Dr. Doro stated, stressing the importance of evidence-based interventions in addressing poverty and humanitarian concerns.
The visit further reinforced the importance of collaboration between government institutions, development partners, host communities, and responsible private sector operators in driving meaningful and sustainable development outcomes.
Sumedha Energy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community well-being, economic empowerment, and long-term prosperity across its areas of operation in Akwa Ibom State.