The Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited (AGPC), Engr. Effiong Okon has commended the company’s host and impacted communities for their peace, cooperation, and partnership, which he described as the foundation of AGPC’s successful operations in Assa, Owerri, the Imo State capital.
At the third edition of the Sight First Medical Outreach Programme, a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of AGPC, Okon said: ‘Without your support, the cooperation of our landlords, our traditional leaders, and the good people of Assa, we would not be here today. You have created an atmosphere of peace that allows us to operate and invest confidently’.
Reflecting on AGPC’s journey since its incorporation, the Managing Director recalled how Assa was once considered unsafe but has now transformed into a thriving community hosting a world-class gas processing plant.
‘A few years ago, people said nobody wanted to live here. But look at what we saw just days ago during the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programme, hundreds of bright children, full of energy and dreams. That’s the future we’re building’, he noted.
He emphasised that AGPC’s $3 billion investment is not only about infrastructure but also about transforming lives and communities.
‘The goal isn’t just to build a gas plant; it’s to build prosperity and lift people out of poverty. If an investment doesn’t improve lives, it’s meaningless’, he said.
Okon reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the area, projecting that AGPC’s presence would continue for 30 to 40 years and beyond.
‘We are proud that our efforts are achieving both strategic and operational goals, and most importantly, making a difference in people’s lives’, he further said.
Okon emphasised that the medical outreach embodies AGPC’s belief that corporate success must always translate into human impact, explaining that it is an expression of AGPC’s humanity and social conscience:
‘Sight is one of life’s most precious gifts. Sadly, many are denied this blessing due to preventable or treatable eye conditions. For them, loss of vision is not just a medical issue; it’s a loss of dignity and hope. This is why we are here, to restore both sight and dignity’, he lamented.
Highlighting the achievements of previous editions, the Managing Director said that over 4,000 patients had benefited from the programme, with more than 211 undergoing successful corrective surgeries.
‘Many who once lived in darkness can now see clearly, live confidently, and contribute meaningfully again. Their stories inspire us to do more’, he said.
He further outlined AGPC’s four core CSR pillars — health, education, infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods — stressing that the company’s interventions are designed to strengthen communities and foster shared prosperity.
Okon expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, medical professionals, and shareholders for their continued partnership and support.
‘Dear community members, as we flag off this year’s outreach, please take full advantage of the free services. Invite your neighbours, friends, and loved ones. Let us restore sight and renew hope together’, he further said.
AGPC’s, Group General Manager (Human Resources), Alhaji Kabiru Koko Rabiu explained the foundation of the company’s CSR framework, referencing the recently concluded STEM education programme for children in the host and impacted communities and the ongoing road reconstruction works as part of its broader social investment efforts.
Recalling personal experiences from the first medical outreach programme, he shared emotional testimonies of elderly beneficiaries regaining their sight:
‘People, who came in with walking sticks, left seeing clearly. It felt almost spiritual, AGPC was restoring sight, dignity and hope’, he said.
He reiterated that the company remains committed to scaling the programme until preventable blindness is drastically reduced in host and impacted communities.
‘Even before earning a kobo in revenue, AGPC has been investing in lives. Imagine what more we can do as we enter full operations’, he remarked.
The Chairman of the Host Community Management Board, Mr. Asilonu Utti lauded AGPC’s consistent community impact, describing the company as ‘the one to beat’.
‘In just six to seven years, AGPC has rewritten our story. Every family in Assa has felt its impact, through employment, contracts, or CSR programmes. Even the so-called “bad boys” protect AGPC because everyone benefits’, he said.
While commending the Sight First programme, he also appealed for further intervention in internal road construction and expanded healthcare programs.
‘You have not even started making revenue, yet you are touching lives. Imagine the transformation when production begins, it will be massive’, Utti said.
The Chairman of the Impacted Community Management Board, Prince Chibuzor Obinna was passionate about the life-changing power of the Sight First initiative.
‘When someone who once lived in darkness begins to see again, their tears are tears of joy, tears that bring light to their families’, he said.
He praised AGPC’s community relations as exemplary, noting that the programme’s reach extends beyond Assa to neighboring areas like Egbema and Ohaji.
‘You are restoring sight, but also restoring light; and with that light, you restore hope’, he added.
Representing the traditional institution, Prince Fidelis Armstrong, the regent king of Ohoba, commended AGPC for its developmental impact and recognised the Project Execution Manager, Engr. Obbi Madumere for his exceptional role in fostering community harmony.
The regent prince said that Madumere has been instrumental in resolving community disputes and strengthening peace among traditional rulers and President Generals, adding that ‘his efforts have left lasting footprints’.
Armstrong also underscored AGPC’s contribution to Nigeria’s gas value chain and called for strengthened community security collaboration to safeguard investments and ensure continued peace.
AGPC’s General Manager Operations, Engr. Amaechi Nwogbe commended the medical team, community leaders, and government representatives for their partnership, while emphasising the company’s commitment to sustaining community engagement.
‘Now that we are entering the operations phase, our bond with the communities remains stronger than ever. We would continue to visit, share meals, and build friendships, because when you dine with a friend, he becomes your brother’, he said.
He also pledged AGPC’s support for community security initiatives, noting that local vigilante systems are key to maintaining peace and safety around operations.
‘We will continue to explore ways to strengthen community security, support education, and advance health and well-being’, Nwogbe further said.
With representatives of the of the company’s host and impacted community, board members, traditional rulers and government officials in attendance, the event, themed “Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope”, marked another milestone in AGPC’s commitment to community health, sustainable livelihoods, and human development.
