Sumedha Energy Limited, ajoint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Ibom Developers FZE have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to job creation and community development in Akwa Ibom State.
The recognition was conferred at the Annual Dinner and Award Night of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council an event that also featured the unveiling of Critique Magazine and the launching of a ₦15 million solar power facility.
The event was chaired by Senator Ita Enang, Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, who also presented the award to the Media Manager of Sumedha Energy Limited and Ibom Developers FZE, Aniekeme Finbarr, who received it on behalf of the organisations.
Speaking during the ceremony, Finbarr expressed appreciation to the Correspondents’ Chapel for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility to do more.
He clarified that Sumedha Energy Limited, formerly Natural Oilfield Services Limited, operates as a joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), while Ibom Developers FZE functions as an independent entity within the Free Zone, supporting oil processing and related infrastructure.
He emphasized that the companies’ operations in Akwa Ibom, which gained momentum between 2022 and 2023, have been guided by a commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
According to him, the organisations have collectively contributed to the creation of over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly impacting livelihoods across host communities.
He added that their community development initiatives between 2025 and early 2026 have delivered measurable outcomes in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Finbarr disclosed that more than 500 students have benefited from educational support programmes, while primary healthcare centres have been renovated and outreach services expanded to underserved areas.
He further noted that women and entrepreneurs have been empowered through targeted training and business support initiatives.
He also reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to local content, stating that Akwa Ibom indigenes occupy key positions across human resources, community development, and technical operations, with ongoing investments in capacity building to prepare local talent for more specialized roles.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony, commended Sumedha Energy Limited, Ibom Developers FZE, and other partners for their continued support to the media and their contributions to societal development.
Delivering the keynote address, Emmanuel Abraham, highlighted the role of responsible leadership and strategic investments in driving sustainable growth and community transformation.
Top management staff of the organisations were present at the event, including Engr. Fabian Ebri and Senior Base Manager ACP (Rtd) Digha, alongside Community Development Programme (CDP) managers such as Grace Inyang, Emem Udoh, Patrick Ukpong and Vivian Udofia.
The event brought together stakeholders from the media, government, and private sector, celebrating excellence in journalism while recognizing impactful contributions of corporate organisations to economic development in Akwa Ibom State.
