Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited {EEPNL} operates in the Deep Offshore of Nigeria and thereby has the whole country as its host community. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the company was compelled by NNPC to demonstrate performance and ability to execute and spend community development program fund appropriated yearly.
The management of Ogbona Secondary School founded 1980 was taken over by Edo State Government in 1984. There was no significant addition to the infrastructure or maintenance of school facilities thereafter. The classrooms, science laboratories, staff offices, play grounds and other amenities were in state of disrepair and needed urgent facelift. The community through Mr. Gilbert Erelumhe Odior (an indigene), who was the Exploration Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) in 2005, enlisted the help of the company towards the renovation of the school, as part of the company’s community development initiatives. EEPNL Community projects and programs then were awarded on one-off basis to NGOs and companies across Nigeria. Among these was the Esso Community Development Program. EEPNL was willing to support the funding of the school project along with others as part of it’s Community based Development Program (CDP) for schools. Luckily, the project was captured in the 2007 budget for Community Development. Pipe Limited, a local contractor was put forward to be awarded the contract for the renovation of Ogbona Secondary School, at a cost of about N55 million. In 2010 however, EEPNL and NNPC ended up recommending a brand-new building with furnishings and fixtures for each selected Institution.
Ogbona Secondary School was among the first 10 schools selected to benefit from the funding. Between 2010 and 2015 the Project scope, number and locations were revised severally, but Mr. Gilbert Erelumhe Odior worked had at ensuring that Ogbona Secondary School made the final list. The finished School project comprises the following:
- 15 classrooms – Furnishing and Equipment (450 student desks)
- 3 furnished and equipped Science laboratories – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- ICT Centre: 60 Computers/ accessories a Reading Room
- Principal, Vice Principal’s offices and Staff Common room with tables and chairs
- Sick Bay
- 20 toilets
- Generator House, Generator, Power Supply, and a borehole.
At a well attended ceremony on Monday, December 27, 2021, the project was handed over to the school. Below are handover ceremony in pictures.
