The decision by the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture to invest in the development of the youth has attracted the commendation of His Excellency Dr Godswill Akpabio, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at Uyo during the closing ceremony of the 14th AKS/NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Championships, the Governor said the state is grateful to the Joint Venture for investing in the youth who are the future of this country.

Chairman PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom  Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

“………..I appreciate you for partnering with the state in the development of our youth. That you have stayed faithful to this championship for the past fourteen years is a testimony to your support and interest in the development of the community under which you operate.

“ …I am hereby calling on other corporate organizations and individuals who God has blessed to emulate this wonderful and selfless contribution by MPN in putting back to the community in which they do business.

He went on to say that Sports is a veritable money spinning industry which is yet to be tapped in this part of the world. He gave instances of top earners in sports whose wealth in dollars and euros is dizzying.

“ when I commissioned this magnificent edifice last year, I remember telling you that gone are the days when the Akwa Ibom child will hear the sound of the starting gun in a race and run scared. With what we have here we are ready to produce the Okons, Emems, Ekaettes, Akpabios as world beaters.

“ we therefore appreciate friends like MPN who do not hesistate to join us in building the abundant human capacity that we have in this state that is blessed by God”

In an earlier speech,the Chairman Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Lead Country Manager, Exxonmobil Subsidiaries Mr Nolan A. O’Neal said his organization was proud to be identified with “…this sporting festival particularly as it has remained a signature athletics event for secondary schools in the country. It is also heartwarming to note that the championship has contributed to the discovery and development of potential star athletes who have gone on to represent the state and country at various national/international competitions”

Represented by Mr Paul Arinze, General Manager Public and Government Affairs Operations, the MPN Chief Executive reminded that “while the Championship provides a good platform for talents discovery and development it is also a healthy engagement for the Nigerian Youths as it encourages meaningful social interactions, healthy competition and mutual tolerance and unity amongst them”

In his own contribution, the Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) Mr Jonathan Okehs expressed the satisfaction of NNPC for being part of “ one of the corporate commitments of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture to the development of youth and sports in our operational local government areas, states and the Nigerian nation at large”

The speech that was read by Mrs Julie Utang reiterated that the success recorded over the years have become strong sources of encouragement to us that our investments are indeed yielding dividends

Members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, community leaders, MPN Management staff including Mrs Rita Umoren, Mrs Regina Udobong and Mr Ogechukwu Udeagha , school children and athletics enthusiasts were on hand to watch the thrilling event.