FROM the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation came assurances on Monday of his commitment to using his tenure in office to develop the nation’s gas resources as a tool for economic transformation.
Mr. Andrew Yakubu made this pledge over the weekend during a reception held for him by the monarch and people of Zangon Kataf at the Agwatyap’s Palace, Atak-Njei, in Zagon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Yakubu said he would take the goodwill and love shown him by his people as a challenge to work harder towards driving the NNPC to achieve greater domestic supply of gas to power plants for increased power generation.
He promised to champion the building and revival of critical infrastructure for gas delivery in keeping with President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.
The GMD who said he was humbled by the love showered on him by his people noted that there was a dearth of entrepreneurial skills among his people and announced the establishment of a foundation to address the challenge.
He said the modality and administrative structure of the foundation will soon be spelt out with a view to ensuring that every gifted child in the community is given an opportunity to acquire education while deserving women and youths will be given opportunity to acquire skills.
Yakubu said this was his own way of giving back to the community that produced him.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Aboki Galadima, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for finding a son of the state worthy of the appointment as GMD of NNPC.
He urged the people to imbibe the culture of celebrating their heroes while they are alive instead of scheming to pull them down.
The event hosted by His Highness Dr. Harrison Y. Bungon, the Agwatyap of Zango Kataf, was attended by a host traditional rulers from Kaduna State and many prominent citizens from across the country.