Minister Urges More Private Sector Investment in Health and Education

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on private sector investors in the oil and gas sector to increase their funding for corporate social responsibility programs, with a particular focus on education and health.

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Speaking at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during the commissioning ceremony of the newly reconstructed and equipped Accident and Emergency Unit Facility, Ekpo praised the efforts of Nigeria LNG Limited. The company donated the facility as part of its Hospital Support Programme.

The minister also made cash donations to the hospital management to support the stocking of drugs at the new pharmacy of the accident and emergency unit and to offset the medical bills of some patients who were unable to pay.

Ekpo highlighted the NLNG’s interventions in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and other teaching hospitals across the country, stating that these actions align with the priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He urged other companies in the oil and gas sector to follow the example set by the NLNG.

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“The NLNG Hospital Support Programme epitomizes a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria,” Ekpo said. “This initiative is not just a corporate social responsibility endeavor; it is a lifeline to millions of Nigerians, providing access to improved healthcare facilities and services.”

The Minister assured guests at the event of the oil and gas sector’s commitment to contributing significantly to national development through a multi-purpose approach. He commended the NLNG for its foresight and unwavering dedication to national development.

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“This is not just an investment in bricks and mortar; they are investments in our most valuable resource – our people,” Ekpo said. “I charge other corporate entities to emulate the NLNG initiative to advance private sector frontiers to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Ekpo urged the management of the University Teaching Hospital to ensure that the facility is properly maintained and utilized to its fullest potential to save lives. He also laid a new foundation for the construction of another medical facility at the teaching hospital.