Kogi State Governor attends commissioning of Waltersmith Refinery in Imo State »

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was yesterday among dignitaries at the commissioning of the 5,000 barrels per day (BPD) refinery constructed by Waltersmith refinery at Ibegwe field, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The event also witnessed the ground breaking ceremony for the second phase of the 45, 000 BPD Waltersmith Refinery.

Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, was first received by the Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, before proceeding to the “People’s House” where he met with the Imo State Governor. Hope Uzodinma ahead of the commissioning and ground breaking ceremony.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a virtual ceremony commended Waltersmith for praised the development. He said the realization of the refinery roadmap being the largest commissioned modular refinery in the country will ultimately lead Nigeria to becoming a net exporter of petroleum products not only to her neighbouring countries but to the global market.

The president instructed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. (NNPC) to provide all necessary support in securing oil and condensate feedstock for the second phase.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva performed the cutting of the tape on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

NNPC’s head, Mele Kyari, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote, Waltersmith Chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu of Nupe were among dignitaries present at the occasion.