Cross River Woos Shell for its Energy City Project - 13/5/08

The Cross River State Government has solicited the collaboration of Shell Petroleum Development Company in the development of its Energy City as part of its development initiative targeted at creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State stated this while receiving the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutiu O. Sunmonu in Calabar, Thursday, stressing that the proposed energy city when operational, will serve as a residential and industrial park.

Imoke disclosed that Cross River is prepared to work and collaborate with development partners to deliver sustainable development programmes for the economic benefit of its citizenry and that Sunmonu’s visit to the state should be a routine to afford the state the opportunity to discuss a number of incentives that will improve Cross River as well as bring business to Shell, adding that Calabar is not only a destination to be but also a place where gas and oil can equally grow because of its conducive environment which is the most peaceful in the Niger Delta.

The Governor commended Shell Petroleum for its support to the success of its Roll Back Malaria programme in the State and expressing his willingness to provide a conducive environment for industries to thrive, noting that the state pays high premium to security because of its tourism development programmes.

The Managing Director of Shell Development Company, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu expressed the resolve of the company to partner with Cross River to develop initiatives that will bring success to the people, noting that Community Development programmes such as health care delivery and employment generation are aimed at improving the standard of living of the citizenry.

Sunmonu pledged to continuously support the Roll Back Malaria programme and partner in the development of the Energy City, adding that the State be rest assured that it has an ally in the oil and gas industry that will support it as its own contribution to the state’s development.

Government House Press