…Host Communities Laud Matrix Energy’s Robust CSR
As part of activities marking her 20th anniversary and the yuletide celebrations, Matrix Energy Group has launched a unity football competition for her host communities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Matrix Energy Group, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil and gas players, has its strategic operational depot in Ifiekporo, an Itsekiri community in Warri South LGA.
The company said the soccer competition tagged “Ifiekporo Unity Cup” will help to foster peace and further deepen the already existing mutual understanding between the company and her host communities.
Speaking at the unveiling of the football fiesta, Matrix Energy Group’s Terminal Manager, Mr. Francis Ibe, said the competition will also unite its host communities of Ifiekporo, Ijala-Ikeren, Ubeji, Egbokodo, and Aja-Etan communities.
While commending the host communities for providing an enabling environment for the company to operate seamlessly in the years past, Ibe noted that football is a universal game that easily unites and promotes peace among communities, people, and nations.
According to him, the competition will run from December 7 and climax on December 24, 2024, with the best teams winning several mouthwatering prizes at the grand finale billed to hold at Ifiekporo community field on Tuesday.
Ibe stated that, “We are here to support the youths. This unity tournament will foster unity among the youths and also to foster unity among the host community members. As our host communities, Matrix Energy Group believes that when we have unity and peace within the community we that are doing businesses here will also have peace in our operations.
“Matrix as a company has been doing so much to support our host communities in the areas of healthcare, youth and women empowerment, education, and other areas. This is as a result of the peace and unity that have existed between us; we decided to support the programme and incidentally, the programme falls within our 20-year anniversary celebration. So, we added it to our anniversary celebration to the host communities.”
In his remark at the ceremony, Ifiekporo Community youth chairman, Mr. Bright Menekpo, commended Matrix Energy Group for their contributions to the development of the community as well as supporting activities that engender peace and unity in the area.
Menekpo said, “This unity cup has brought unity to Ifiekporo community. Since the establishment of Matrix Energy, the company has been doing tremendous things for our people. We are happy with Matrix and what they are doing for our people.”
Also, a member of the Elders’ Council of Ifiekporo Community, Pa. Francis Eyifoma, noted, “They (Matrix) are so friendly to us. Every year since they came here, they have been good to us, giving us support. If other companies copy what they are doing, this community would have been better than this. Matrix is number one among the companies here, so we are grateful.”
Meanwhile, in the opening game, Matrix Energy Group Team and Ejoki Avenue Team ended in a 1-1 draw after a clinical football display between both teams.
While the second match between Ifiekporo Football Club and Egbokodo Football Club ended in a goalless draw.