Midwestern Oil Boosts CSR in Host Communities

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Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, operators of Umusadege oil field and one of the few successful Nigerian independent company has embarked on fresh initiatives to boost its Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) to its host communities, especially in the area of provision of electricity, health services and youth empowerment.

Speaking at the recent inauguration of the Umusam Ogbe Community Health Centre and Staff Quarter, which were funded by the company, the Secretary of the community, Mr. Oyemike Azuka, said the community had benefitted immensely from the company since 2006 when the relationship between them was established.

He identified skill acquisition training; employment; and scholarship awards as some of the benefits the community had derived from the company.

“Today, here we are gathered; Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited is here officially to inaugurate 1 No. 500KVA transformer installed and has been in use and Umusam Ogbe Community Health Staff Quarter. This great milestone is attained, while the company is yet to commence drilling operations in the community. What if it commences? Umusam will be an enviable society courtesy of Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited,” he said.

He called on the company to commence its oil exploration in the area, adding that the entire community pledges their total cooperation for the creation of peaceful environment for the company to operate in the community.

In a separate statement at the presentation of the starter packs to skill acquisition beneficiaries in the area, the Community Affairs Department of Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, said the programme was in fulfillment of the agreement reached by the company and its host communities.

The company noted that the gesture was also part of its intervention in the Federal Government’s human capital development programme.

The statement added that the company also used the gesture to discourage youth restiveness and support the State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy.

“It is our considered view that disturbances do not encourage development, and by this, we as a corporate organisation try to secure achievable agreements with our host communities. We have decided not to buy peace but to produce peace. This we have done, by constantly honouring agreements with the communities and strongly encourage discussions rather than violence,” the company said.

Midwestern is the operator of Umusadege field near Kwale in Delta State. The field was formerly owned by Elf.