For delivering to Finima Community a shopping mall that is exquisite, qualitative, and meets the shopping needs of residents of the area, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) deserves a thumbs up, the Amadabo of Finima, Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown has said.

Aseme Alabo Brown said this on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 during the handover of Akusughu Shopping Mall in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State by the NLNG. 

He acknowledged that the delivery of the mall is a progressive development which was contemplated and birthed by quality leadership, assuring that its sustenance and viability will be prioritized by the Finima Community, stressing that “it won’t be redundant”.

Noting that though there were outstanding aspects of the agreement between Finima Community and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the relocation of the community for the onset of the NLNG’s plant, the company (NLNG) has done well in the years it has operated in the area.

He also asserted that Finima Community has made unique sacrifices for Nigeria’s economic wellbeing, regretting, however, that this sacrifices have not been adequately compensated, thanking the management of the NLNG for conceptualizing the project, utilizing the land resource it has provided and delivering a project worthy of praise.

Earlier, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh said the shopping mall purveys the transformative power of partnerships and collaborations, represents “a significant milestone in our collective journey towards sustainable development and community empowerment”, and “symbolizes more than just a commercial space-it represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future for Finima and its residents”.

He informed that the project; the construction and handover of an ultra-modern shopping mall to the Finima Development Council (FDC), is a component of a tripartite agreement signed on Thursday, August 1, 2013 between the NLNG, Mobil and Brown House of Finima.

“Today, we are not only celebrating the opening of a shopping mall but also the creation of jobs, the stimulation of local businesses, and the enhancement of the community’s social and economic landscape.

“This mall will serve as a hub for commerce, bringing together various retailers and service providers, while, also fostering a sense of community. It is a place where families can gather, where entrepreneurs can thrive, and where the spirit of innovation can flourish.”

“But let us not forget that with opportunity comes responsibility. As we embrace this new development, we must also commit to ensuring that it benefits everyone in our community and that it serves the needs of not just today but also tomorrow.”

The project team lead, Amos Ologunleko had earlier briefed the gathering that the project comprises a mall with a 24 Shops, one Restaurant, one Supermarket, Toilets, Security Gate House, Roads, Car Parks, Drainage, Culverts, Fencing, Substation, other requirements as applicable to reputable malls in Nigeria.

NLNG’s Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Charles Epelle thanked the leadership of the Brown House and Finima Community for their cooperation, which he said was critical and strategic to the successful delivery of the project.

He also expressed his gratitude to all other stakeholders who, according to him, played strategic roles which cumulatively ensured completion of the project within stipulated time, according to specification and ultimate benefits to the end users.