The Chief Executive Officer of Okamkpa Oil & Gas Ltd, Mr. Francis Aja Chukwu, has announced plans to create over 1,000 jobs for youths from the Edda clan in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Chukwu disclosed that he is currently implementing measures and leveraging partnerships to achieve the employment goal, which is expected to be realised within the next seven years.

Speaking during a press briefing in Owutu Edda on Tuesday, the CEO said the decision to establish Okamkpa Oil & Gas Ltd in Owutu Edda was driven by the need to bring energy closer to the people and ease their difficulties in accessing petroleum products, particularly during festive seasons.

He also revealed that the project received significant moral support from the Chairman of Edda LGA, Prince Chima Ekumankama, despite initial uncertainties.
“My name is Francis Aja Chukwu. I am from Amoso Edda village, Etiti community in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. I am currently based in Edda. Okamkpa is not my surname; it is the name of my namesake and it means ‘bigger than problems or challenges’ in the Edda dialect,” he said.

Chukwu explained that the company’s primary objectives include job creation and easing the hardships residents face while travelling to neighbouring towns in search of fuel, kerosene, and gas.
“The reason behind my intention to establish Okamkpa Oil & Gas Ltd in Edda was to provide jobs for our people. We believe that anyone who goes out daily to work will return home to provide for their family. Secondly, we want to alleviate the suffering and stress our people endure when they travel to neighbouring towns in search of fuel, kerosene and gas during celebratory seasons. We want to put an end to this. Our target is to employ more than 1,000 people from Edda within the next seven years,” he said.

In addition to the oil and gas sector, Chukwu disclosed that the company is venturing into agribusiness and hospitality to establish a broader market presence and position itself as a one-stop enterprise in the region.

On the issue of security, he stated that there are no security challenges in the area, adding that the community’s ownership of the business ensures its protection.
“The people own the business and they will not allow anything to happen to it,” he said.

Chukwu also praised the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for creating a favourable environment for the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru to thrive.

He described both leaders as “heroes of our time,” and thanked the state government for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“I especially thank the immediate past governor of the state and Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for his dedication to work and for bringing Ebonyi State into the limelight,” he added.

He further commended the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, for his support at the onset of the project.