Some Christian missionaries from Texas, United States of America (USA) and their Nigerian counterparts have concluded arrangements to build N1bn refinery in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
This plan came at a time when there was tremendous fall in the global price of oil, a development which has negatively affected the revenue base of the country.
Few investors now venture into oil business in Nigeria, unlike in the past. But for these missionaries, Apostle Quint Burks, Senior Pastor of New Vision Ministries, Texas, USA and Dr Daniel Justice, also from Texas and founder of PMI International, they believe that establishing refinery will lead to creation of many job opportunities for the people of the state and touching of many lives.
To them, in addition to preaching the gospel, another way of reaching out to the people is through projects such as theirs that has multiplying positive effects on the people’s lives.
Burks told the Daily Trust in Uyo that their vision as well as that of the PMI is to basically work with different nations to see how they can bring development to the people. He said that their intention is not only to build refinery, but to bring economic opportunities to the people.
He said that the Akwa Ibom State Government was contacted about the project, stressing that the major product that will be produced by the refinery is aviation fuel.
Justice, who is the chairman of the company, said that the cost of building the project is about $1bn, but to kick-start it, about $150m would be required.
He said that the government has promised to give license for the commencement of the refinery, one week after application is made, adding that they will, in March next year, commence construction of the refinery.
According to him, in about a year-and-a-half from now, the refinery will commence operation.
The consultancy firm handling some of the processes and securing of license, he said, has started working on the accounting software while work in the areas is ongoing, aimed at meeting requirement of setting up new refinery.
One of the partners in Akwa Ibom State who is also a pastor and human right administrator, Rev. Dr Hilkiah Eliathah, said that he suggested to his partners to establish a developmental project in Akwa Ibom, through a contact he made with them via Evangelist Tiebet Jacob whose brother, Bishop Ani Jacob, lives in the USA. Bishop Jacob is an associate of the missionaries, a director in the board and the managing director of the company. He is also the founder and president of Christ Ambassadors Ministries International in the United States.
Meanwhile, the missionaries said that they have enjoyed tremendous support from the Akwa Ibom State Government, expressing their confidence that the relationship will facilitate building of the refinery.
According to them, about 10, 000 jobs will be created when the project is completed.
