Gov Eno Assures Seplat Energy Of Peaceful Environment, Demands More Investment In Host Communities

• Governor Umo Eno assures Seplat Energy of sustained peace and support for its operations in Akwa Ibom.

• Seplat Energy introduces new CEO, Engr Effiong Okon, to the Governor.

• Eno challenges Seplat to surpass ExxonMobil’s corporate social investment in host communities.

• Okon seeks cooperation of government and people of Akwa Ibom to achieve the company’s operational targets.

September 23, () – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured Seplat Energy Plc of a peaceful and investment-friendly environment for its operations in the state, describing peace as a critical driver of development and investment.

The Governor gave the assurance yesterday, when the Board of Seplat Energy, led by its Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo, to formally introduce the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, Engr Effiong Okon.

Governor Eno, while welcoming the delegation, congratulated Okon on his appointment, describing his emergence as the first of its kind for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

He pledged the support of the state government and the people to the new CEO throughout his tenure, while assuring the company of the state’s commitment to maintaining peace.

“Akwa Ibom State is intentional about maintaining peace as it is a critical driver of development and investments”, the Governor said.

He, however, charged Seplat Energy to build on the corporate social investment initiatives of the former ExxonMobil by doing more to improve the fortunes of its host communities and the state.

Eno commended Seplat Energy for its sense of responsibility, concern and collaboration with the state government, expressing optimism that the relationship would be strengthened under the new leadership.

Eno urged the company not to rest on its oars, but to devise measures that would surpass the social investment interventions previously undertaken by ExxonMobil in its host communities.

The Governor also expressed readiness to receive the company’s Chief Executive Officer on subsequent visits to the state, stressing the importance of continued engagement between the company and the government.

Earlier, the Chairman of Seplat Energy, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said the delegation was in Government House primarily to introduce Okon to the Governor following his assumption of office as Chief Executive Officer.

Udoma recalled that following Seplat Energy’s acquisition of the then ExxonMobil assets in 2024, he had visited the Government House to introduce the company’s then CEO, Mr Roger Brown.

He said the exit of the former helmsman and the appointment of Okon made it necessary for the company’s board and senior management to formally introduce the new leadership to the state government.

Udoma thanked Governor Eno for the warm reception he had consistently received during his visits to Akwa Ibom.

Speaking, Okon expressed delight at returning home to serve the people of Akwa Ibom while also leading the company.

He said Seplat Energy’s acquisition of the former ExxonMobil assets had significantly expanded the company’s portfolio, particularly through the addition of substantial offshore assets.

The new CEO expressed the hope that his tenure would translate into a visible positive impact for Seplat Energy, its host communities and Akwa Ibom State.

He appealed for the continued support and cooperation of Governor Eno and the people of the state, saying such collaboration would enable the company to achieve its targeted milestones.

Other members of the Seplat Energy delegation included Director, External Affairs, Chioma Afe; Managing Director, Offshore Operations, Ikponwosa Ogunwonyi; Vice President, Human Resources, Emo Udobong-Ntia; Vice President, Joint Venture Operations, John Itsueli; Manager, Government Relations, Effiong Esumo; Nsemeke Udoakpan and Emem Okon.