The minister of state petroleum resources (gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo has urged private sector investors in the oil and gas sector to commit more funds into their corporate social responsibility programmes, particularly in the education and health sectors.
The minister made the call at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the commissioning the accident and emergency unit facility reconstructed, equipped and donated to the institution by the Nigeria LNG Limited as part of its hospital support programme.
Ekpo also made cash donations to the management of the hospital to support the stocking of drugs at the new pharmacy of the accident and emergency unit and for offsetting medical bills of some patients brought in on emergency but who could not foot their bills.
The minister said the NLNG intervention in the tertiary hospital and other ones completed and donated to other teaching hospitals in universities across the country was in consonance with the priorities of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and challenged other companies doing businesses in the oil and gas sector to emulate the gesture.
“This is not just an investment in bricks and mortar; they are investments in our most valuable resource – our people. I charge other corporate entities to emulate the NLNG initiative to advance private sector frontiers to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of our citizens.
“The NLNG project in healthcare facilities in our universities is in consonance with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration which focuses on education, health and social investments as essential pillars of development which focuses on education, health and social investments as essential pillars of development.
“The NLNG Hospital Support Programme particularly epitomises a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria. This initiative is not just a corporate social responsibility endeavor; it is a lifeline to millions of Nigerians, providing access to improved healthcare facilities and services. This is an endeavor I am most proud of and wish that more operating companies in the energy sector will replicate in across the health and education sector,” Ekpo stated.
He commended the NLNG for its foresight and unwavering dedication to national development.
The minister charged the management of the teaching hospital to ensure that the facility is properly maintained and utilized to its fullest potential to save lives.
The minister also laid a new foundation for the construction of another medical facility at the hospital.
