- Safiu Kehinde
Ogun State Government and community leaders have hailed Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) for their partnership in the reconstruction of a key community road commissioned on Thursday in Ado-Odo Otta Local Government Area.
This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the statement, 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.
In his address at the commissioning, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the completion of the road will improve lives and strengthen communities.
Abiodun reiterated his commitment to creation of enabling environment for business through effective public private partnerships.
“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,” he said.
On his part, SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, described the project as a testament of the company’s commitment alongside the NGML in improving lives.
“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.” he said.
Similarly, Managing Director NGML, Igwe Justin Ezeala expressed similar sentiments maintained that the company derive pride in ensuring that members of the host community feel their positive impact.
“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,” he said in remarks delivered by the Executive Director Gas Distribution, Lawrence Chukwu.
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.