By Vita Iwueze
President and Founder of the Mike and Joy Empowerment Foundation, Engr. Mike Onyekachi Christian, has issued a strong call for multinational oil companies operating in the Ohaji/ Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency to urgently review and revamp their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The appeal was made recently during an interactive session with members of the Niger Delta Journalists Association (NDJA), Imo State Chapter.
He expressed deep regret that despite hosting over seven oil companies, including Anoh Gas, the area continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and severe infrastructural deficits.
The APC stalwart also lamented that communities hosting these firms have yet to see meaningful development, calling the situation unacceptable.
“This constituency houses multiple oil giants, yet our youths remain jobless and our roads are in deplorable condition. The CSR programs of these companies must be realigned to address the real needs of the people.
“This is one of the things that prompted me to run for Ohaji/ Egbema, Oguta, Oru West Federal Constituency, because i know if given to chance i will do well.
“I never said that those that have represented us never performed.
They have all tried.
“As a trained engineer, who believes in empowering people, my reason is not to go and enrich my self. As an entrepreneur, who is also into real estate, i think we are doing well.
“I just want to make sure that my people have a qualitative representation, making sure that what ever that is due for them must get to them”.
While commending Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration for its strides in infrastructure development, Engr. Mike reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He acknowledged losing the party’s ticket for the constituency but stressed that internal democracy must be respected.
Engr. Mike, a leading realtor and fellow, Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Expert, said.
“I am proud to come from this constituency because our people contribute daily to the progress of the state and Nigeria.
“This interaction today with the members of Niger Delta Journalists Association (NDJA) is a platform for us to come together, and chart a way forward for our people, and to see how in my little way to assist the association to grow beyond your level, as the mouth piece of the people”.
The leader of the Association, Pastor. Austin Okoro, thanked Engr. Mike for remembering the body and for his call to partnership, vowing not to disappoint him. The group pledged to support efforts aimed at fostering development and accountability in the region.
