The cordial relationship existing between Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) and its host communities was further accentuated on Thursday, 31^st July 2008 as the Executive Director, External Affairs, Mr. John Addeh; led a company delegation to the Palace of the Rebisi Monarch, HRM Eze Sunday Woluchen (JP), the Eze Apara Rebisi.

Those in the delegation were the General Manager, Sustainable Development, Mr. Vincent Nnadi; Manager, Sustainable Development Projects, Mr. Francis Oriakhi; Manager, Partnership Development, Mr. Blessing Nwaerema; Head, Partnership Development, Mr. Samuel Izidor; and other relevant Staff of the Sustainable Development Division.

It will also be noted that TEPNG has executed over N60million worth of Community Projects for The Rebisi Kingdom. This was as a result of the 3-Year MOU signed in 2004 which has recently been renewed. The projects which covered Drainages, Grading of Roads, Street lights, Boreholes, Transformer installations among others, have all been completed.

In his speech at the occasion, Mr. Addeh said the visit to the Eze was not only part of the company’s engagement principles but also on its partnership vision which spans through physical infrastructural development to social and human capacity development. He also stated that this partnership stands on the tripod of sustainability, enterprise and community ownership of processes, projects and programmes which has been the guiding principle of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“It is our belief that the MOU will guide our relationship with the host communities for the next four years. Four years gives us time to create a business relationship and together we can build better business resources.  That is why implementation committees are being set up. MOUs will be achieved with the help of the committees and we also hope to create and engage registered organizations that will run the businesses”.
 
He used the opportunity to inform the Eze Apara Rebisi of the company’s change of name from Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited (EPNL) to Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG). 

Responding, the Apara Rebisi, HRM, Eze Sunday Woluchen; thanked the Executive Director and his team for the visit, stressing that the company has made a positive impression on its host communities. He advised other oil companies operating in the state to emulate Total E&P’s outstanding example.
 
“I am personally impressed about the activities of TEPNG. What is the magic wand?. The problems associated with non-development of host communities have never existed with your company. Whether TEPNG has a magic wand, traditional wand or witchcraft, please keep it up. It has helped us (Communities) tremendously”.

Commending the company’s development initiatives in his domain, the Eze Apara Rebisi said that in spite of the company’s laudable efforts in seeing to the sustainable development of its host communities, the people would still ask for more. He urged the company to have a generous spirit to accommodate further demands.