ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has thrown his weight behind Seplat Energy Plc, applauding the oil and gas giant’s strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) footprint while pushing for deeper inclusion of host community members in its management structure.
The Governor gave the commendation Tuesday at Government House, Asaba, during a courtesy visit by Seplat’s CEO, Mr. Roger Brown, and top executives of the company.
Oborevwori praised Seplat’s ongoing investment in education, healthcare, and community empowerment, noting that its grassroots approach had helped foster peace in oil-producing communities and boosted production.
“Before I became governor, I tracked your community engagements. From school donations to teacher training and medical outreaches, your CSR record is strong and consistent,” Oborevwori said. “These efforts promote peace, and with peace, oil production thrives. Under my MORE Agenda, we’ll continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to grow.”
The Governor applauded the company’s 30 percent employment rate for Deltans but was clear in his call for greater upward mobility for indigenes.
“It’s not just about jobs. We want to see our people in management roles,” he said. “I believe this will happen, and the time to start is now.”
Touching on recent operational challenges faced by the company, Oborevwori assured that the state would act swiftly to prevent future disruptions, stressing that economic sabotage hurts everyone.
“Grievances must be resolved through dialogue, not confrontation. If Seplat is not working, CSR stops. And when production drops, the whole nation suffers. We cannot afford that,” he warned.
He emphasized that Delta would continue to lead by example in fostering peaceful coexistence between companies and host communities.
Earlier, Seplat’s CEO, Mr. Roger Brown, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Delta State, describing it as central to the firm’s long-term strategy, with two of its most valuable onshore assets located in the state.
Brown disclosed that Seplat was nearing completion of a 1 million standard cubic feet/day gas plant in Sapele, which integrates LPG production and will eventually support Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as part of Nigeria’s energy transition.
He also highlighted the company’s CSR impact: over 50,000 students reached through its PEARLs Quiz initiative, five functional STEAM labs established, 2,000 people treated under the “I Can See” vision care programme, and an ambitious pledge to end routine gas flaring by 2025—five years ahead of the national deadline.
Governor Oborevwori closed the meeting with a firm message of partnership and accountability: “We’ll keep working together—but let’s do more. Let’s grow together, build trust, and empower our people.”
