Representative of Tank Farm Operators CFTZ, Mr. Ignatius Edema, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Representative of North West Petroleum, Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, at the commissioning of first batch of patrol vehicle donated by the farm operators to beef security in Calabar and environs Thursday.
From Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
Operators of oil gas facilities at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Thursday donated some Security Patrol Vehicles to the state government in order to maintain security around the zone and the entire metropolis as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Leader of the group and Managing Director of Ibafon Petroleum Mr. Ignatius Edema, said that although Cross River State was enjoying its current rating as the safest state in Nigeria and investors’ haven.
He said the companies decided to take a proactive step to secure their installation around the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
“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.”
Edema said: “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: “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”.
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