The Rivers State Government has praised Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited (EPNL) for its contributions to the educational advancement of the state. The state's Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ngozi Odu, spoke recently on behalf of the government at the handing-over ceremony of a renovated block of six classrooms to the Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School (OCSS), Oginigba in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Friday Obari, Director of Higher Education in the state's Ministry of Education, who represented the Commissioner of Education, noted that the NNPC/EPNL Joint Venture has been exemplary and the renovated six-classroom block was a testimony to the ability of companies and individuals to be supportive of government's effort in providing quality education.

In his response, Mr. Anthony Abolarin, the General Manager, Sustainable Development, of EPNL observed that beyond renovation of classrooms, the company is actively involved in building schools, providing infrastructure and giving local and foreign scholarships as part of its corporate social responsibility of adding value to education in Nigeria. An example of this he stated is the Institute of Petroleum Studies, at the University of Port Harcourt which is collaboration between the University of Port Harcourt and Ecole du Petrole et des Moteurs, IFP, France. The college produces post-graduate Petroleum Engineers with an international certification.

In her address, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Rosa Wenah, expressed appreciation to the company thus: "To Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited and on behalf of OCSS, Oginigba, let me personally express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to be directly associated with your gallant effort to improve the academic well-being of our school."

The ceremony was rounded up with a tour of the facility and cultural performances.

Mr. Obari cutting the tape to open the block of classrooms.

A tour of the classrooms by dignitaries.