Calabar Based Oil And Gas Firms Donate Patrol vehicles To Cross River Government

By Our Correspondent

As part of their corporate social responsibility, operators of oil and gas facilities at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, today donated some Security Patrol Vehicles to the state government, as measures to maintain security around the zone and the entire metropolis.

Leader of the group, and Managing Director of Ibafon Petroleum Mr. Ignatius Edema, maintained that though Cross River has continued to enjoy its rating as the safest state in the country today and as investors’ haven, the companies decided to take a proactive step to secure their installation around the Calabar Free Trade Zone.

His words: “It is our wish that the donation of these vehicles will improve upon motorized patrols to further enhance the enviable position of the state as the safest state in Nigeria.”

Mr. Edema maintained that “We built up security within and outside our depots and promised to partner with the state government in all security matters. The event we are witnessing today is the first phase of one of such measures we had agreed upon to check any security threat in the zone.”

While urging security operatives to ensure judicious use of the vehicles, Edema said: “Please in deploying these vehicles, do see that you keep an eye on our facilities at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and other oil tank farm installations.”

Edema who spoke on behalf of the oil and gas operators in the zone pledged to continuously support the state government’s efforts at ensuring sustained security and safety of lives and property at all times, adding that a safe state will translate to safe business climate for desired returns.

Expressing appreciation, Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke who was overwhelmed by the gesture, said: “Let me express my sincere appreciation to our partners who are working with us assiduously to improve on the investment climate here in an effort to maintain security in our environment.”

The governor noted that “When your investment is secured, return on investment is assured which is the reason why this partnership is imperative to maintain our established standard, sustain our reputation as the leading destination for investors in the country.”