BY IKE UCHECHUKWU(CALABAR)

Eng Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has revealed that over 2000 new jobs would be created after the completion of the oil and gas park in Cross river state by 2020.

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Wabote stated this during the ground breaking ceremony of the multi billion naira Park at Onimankiong community in Odukpani Local government area yesterday.

According to him, the ceremony was not just a ground breaking but a commencement of the project as work is starting immediately on the 25 hectre expanse of land.

His words: “Over 2000 new jobs are projected to be created when this park kick starts at Odukpani and Cross River state at large. This is different from the people who will be involved in the construction of the site.

“2000 direct jobs and another 2000 spinoffs would be created here when the plant becomes operational so what the community needs to do is to partner with us and ensure a speedy completion of the work because we do not abandon projects.

“It is a multi billion naira project will be cause unprecedented growth and development in the community and beyond, it represents an achievement of a major milestone to implement a flagship project of this magnitude .This is the first of its kind in the Niger Delta and we are most committed to making sure that it is completed as at when due.

“It will create opportunities and develop capacity for local support chain and boost the economy of the country because from here equipments, spare parts and more will be created that will be utilized in the oil and gas industry of the Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary who called for the cooperation of the community and the state government to fast track the construction park urged all parties to give them their full support and cooperation

He said the construction work would be put on hold without any if the community youths make unnecessary demands on them because the agency has not come to exploit the resources of the community but to build a facility where technical workers in the oil and gas industry would be trained.

He urged them to see the project as their own and make sure it succeeds adding that if they receive any form of threat, hindrance, and resistance on their part they will stop work without apologies.

“It will create opportunities for youths in the community and the state as well as develop capacity for local support chain and boost the economy of the country because from here equipments, spare parts and more will be created that will be utilized in the oil and gas industry of the Nigeria.

“We also want to ensure that the locals who are in the community are carried along because we shall make sure that they have capacity to work in the park when it is completed in 2020.It behooves on you(communities) to see us as your own and as partners in progress,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Ivara Esu, the Deputy Governor of the state said the state is prepared to partner with the agency to ensure a peaceful environment and speedy work completion.

“We shall also be part of the monitoring team in ensuring that the work moves with pace and due process is followed ,it is our project and we shall treat is as such.” he stated.