It could not have come at a better time or from a lesser person or in a less auspicious occasion, but the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) got a big pat on the back at the weekend in Bonny Island for being a good corporate citizen and supportive tenant from the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, CON.

The occasion was the foundation laying ceremony for the Bonny Consulate Building along the Asimini Bypass in Ayambo community in Bonny Town.

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The King, popularly referred as the ‘Black Monarch’, a sobriquet handed his forebear, King George Pepple by the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth, several years ago in London, described the Nigeria LNG as one that “respects the soul of Bonny Kingdom” and 2touched every aspect of our existence”.

King Pepple III should know, given his antecedents as a former Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Pro-Chancellor of several first grade universities in Nigeria.

The Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom stated that the Bonny Consulate Building, which he noted was “quite significant to the development of Bonny Kingdom” and “reminiscent of the active involvement of the British in the internal affairs of the Kingdom in the 19th century, was “a huge gift from Nigeria LNG to Bonny Kingdom”.

“We thank the Board, shareholders and management of this outstanding company for respecting the soul this Kingdom by positively touching on every aspect of our existence as a home of the harbour of great value.”

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The Bonny Consulate Building is a partnership project between the NLNG and Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) Limited.

The ‘Black Monarch’ went to say that the NLNG “has performed well through its sterling CSR initiative and unrelenting commitment to the advancement of the Kingdom, especially towards the socio-economic good of our people. I acknowledge with great joy, the most recent and significant gesture by Nigeria LNG, which is the Bonny Community Health Insurance program. That is one among many genuine provisions by the company to foster Bonny people’s wellbeing.”

In its trajectory of sustaining a legacy of responsibility corporate citizenship, community stakeholding, and value addition to society, the Nigeria LNG has made significant financial contributions to the value of N60 billion towards the actualisation of the Bonny-Bodo Road and Bridges project, is involved in managing the Bonny Utility Company (BUC) that has ensured 24/7 electricity and water supply across Bonny Local Government Area, and also providing quality skills sets development for community members through the Bonny Vocational Centre (BVC).

Earlier, as part of events marking the NLNG 20/30 anniversary celebration, the Nigeria LNG led by its Managing Director, Tony Attah, paid a courtesy call on the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, CON, at the King Perekule Palace, Bonny.

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Speaking during the visit, NLNG’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Tony Attah, on behalf of his management team, past Managing Directors and CEOs, appreciated Bonny Monarch for the roles Bonny Kingdom played during the Trains 1 to 6, and appealed for more support as the company prepares for the Train 7 project.

Thereafter, King William Dappa Pepple III, accompanied by the lawmaker representing Bonny Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Abinye Pepple, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, David Irimagha,his Vice, Anengi Barasua, Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Miriam Hart, her Deputy, DIpinye Jumbo, the Bonny Council of Chiefs, titled Citizens, NLNG management team, and a host of others to the Asimini Bypass, where he performed the ground breaking ceremony for the Bonny Consulate building.

Speaking at Ceremony, His Majesty, King Edward William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, CON, lauded the Nigeria LNG for its immeasurable support to Bonny Kingdom.

“Today, I stand before my people and our guests here to endorse Nigeria LNG as a company deserving of our respect and support. From what we can see, Nigeria LNG’s success now and in the future will ultimately benefit us in immeasurable ways and my charge is that every true son and daughter of this Kingdom, as well as residents in this Kingdom should eschew any act that will impede the company’s progress.”

“We assure you that when this building is completed and furnished to be fit for purpose, the Kingdom will take on the responsibility of utilizing it such that Nigeria LNG Limited will proud you committed to this project and prosperity will remember you. Thank you for the honour to our Kingdom.”

In continuation of its avowed commitment to the wellbeing of its primary host community, the Nigeria LNG launched the Bonny Community Health Insurance program, which seeks to provide a platform for addressing the health needs of the community in accost effective contributory way. Community members will be able to access top rated medical services in medical institutions across Bonny LGA by registering with a token of N10,000 per year.

So far, a lot of indigenes and non-indigenes have told Kristina Reports that this was one initiative that would affect the lives of several people in very unique ways, saying they appreciate the programme and commended NLNG for considering the wellbeing of the Bonny people.