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The Chief Executive Officer of Okamkpa Oil & Gas Ltd, Mr Francis Chukwu, has announced plans to create over 1,000 jobs for youths and residents of the Edda clan in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Chukwu disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Owutu Edda, noting that the initiative is aimed at boosting employment, easing access to energy, and improving the overall economic wellbeing of the host communities.
According to him, the decision to establish Okamkpa Oil & Gas Ltd in Edda was driven by a desire to bring petroleum products closer to the people and reduce the hardship residents face while travelling to neighbouring towns in search of fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas—especially during festive periods.
“The motivation behind setting up Okamkpa Oil & Gas in Edda is to provide jobs for our people and to reduce the suffering they go through in accessing petroleum products,” Chukwu said.
He explained that the vision received strong encouragement from the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, whose support helped the project move forward despite early uncertainties.
Introducing himself, Chukwu said he hails from Amoso Edda village, Etiti community, adding that the company’s name carries deep local significance.
“Okamkpa is not my name; it is the name of my namesake, and it means ‘bigger than problems or challenges’ in the Edda dialect,” he explained.
Chukwu revealed that the company plans to employ more than 1,000 people from Edda within the next seven years, stressing that job creation remains a core priority.
“Anyone who goes out to work will come back home able to provide food for their family. That is what we want to achieve for our people,” he said.
Beyond the oil and gas sector, he disclosed that Okamkpa Group is expanding into agribusiness and hospitality, with the aim of building a diversified enterprise and positioning the company as a one-stop business hub within the area.
On security, the businessman assured that the environment is safe for investment.
“There are no security challenges here. The people own this business, and they will protect what belongs to them,” he stated.
Chukwu also commended the Ebonyi State Government, under Governor Francis Nwifuru, for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, while praising the immediate past governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for laying a strong foundation for development.
“Both Governor Nwifuru and Senator David Umahi are heroes of our time. Senator Umahi’s dedication brought Ebonyi State to the limelight and created a soft landing for the current administration,” he said.
He further expressed deep appreciation to Prince Chima Ekumankama, describing him as a key supporter of the project.
“The chairman may not be an official partner on paper, but he is a partner in reality. The support he gave me at the onset of this project is something I will never forget,” Chukwu added.
