Jimitota ONOYUME

PORT HARCOURT: To address challenges of poverty in the Niger Delta, Total E & P has said it would give more attention to human capital and entrepreneurial development.

Speaking while commissioning an SME development network centre at Obite, Egi arts/ cultural development centre also at Obite and Egi technical workshop at Erema, Deputy Managing Director, of the oil giant, Mr Denis Berthelot said the firm in the last few years have been emphasizing on the need for a shift from infrastructural, to human capital and entrepreneurship development.

He said communities would develop more through conscious involvement of the people in economic development projects and programmes.

Adding, Mr Berthelot said the commissioned projects would stimulate enterprise development activities in the area. He enjoined the people to make use of the opportunities created by the project effectively.

Earlier, President General, Egi Peoples Assembly, Chief Oris Onyiri had assured that the community would continue to create the needed atmosphere for the oil giant to operate.

He further enjoined the firm to assist to grow Egi language and culture, adding that they should be taught alongside French language in the area