Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – In a significant move to bolster climate change studies and research, Oriental Energy Resources Limited has handed over the first phase of a climate monitoring and observation station to the University of Uyo. The facility, installed at the university’s main campus, aims to provide students with practical experience in climatology and climate change, encourage interdisciplinary research, and support capacity-building programs in climate and meteorology.

During the handover ceremony, the Managing Director of Oriental Energy, Mr. Mustafa Indimi, represented by Mr. Kazeem Koleoso, Head of External Relations, highlighted the project as part of the company’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, which focuses on climate action. Indimi stressed the importance of urgent actions by both public and private sectors to mitigate climate change effects, promote adaptation, and increase resilience to climate-related hazards.

“In specific terms, SDG 13 requires that urgent steps are taken by the public and private sectors to combat climate change and its impacts by mitigating its effects, promoting adaptation, and increasing resilience to climate-related hazards,” Indimi stated. He emphasized the universal impact of climate change and Oriental Energy’s proactive measures to reduce its environmental footprint, including its decarbonization journey and efforts to reduce emissions and flaring in its operations.

Professor Oby Lilian Orogbu, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), commended Oriental Energy for its strategic investment in environmental sustainability and scientific research. “This CSR initiative goes beyond simply writing a cheque; it is indeed a strategic investment in our future,” she said. Orogbu noted the importance of accurate data in understanding climate patterns and developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, highlighting the station’s potential to provide valuable data for researchers, policymakers, and the public.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, expressed gratitude for the donation, underscoring its potential to enhance the university’s climatology research capabilities. He urged Oriental Energy to commence the second phase of the project, which includes building and monitoring aspects to optimize the station’s usability and effectiveness.

“Therefore, like Oliver Twist, I, on behalf of the University of Uyo community, appeal to our donor to please direct the commencement of the second phase of the project which is the building and monitoring aspect,” Ndaeyo said. He noted that the completion of the second phase would provide essential accommodations for students conducting practical studies at the station, especially during the rainy season.

This initiative by Oriental Energy Resources Limited marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability and educational advancement, reinforcing the critical role of private sector contributions in addressing global climate challenges.