Tag: Matrix Energy Group

Matrix Energy Group has disclosed that “deepening its relationship” with host communities and ensuring their (communities) development were major reasons it sponsored the just-concluded Ifiekporo Unity Cup.

The tournament which had the five host communities (Ifiekporo, Ubeji, Aja-Etan, Ijala-Ikeren, Egbokodo) saw Gentlemen Football Club winning the maiden edition, held in Warri South council area of Delta State.

Matrix Energy’s Executive Director (Downstream), Luqman Salam-Alada, described football as a globally unifying game and commended the host communities for their unwavering support towards the company.

Represented by the firm’s Human Resources (HR) official, Yekini Abayomi, Salam-Alada assured that the Ifiekporo Unity Cup would be sustained.

“As part of our 20th  anniversary, we are very happy to sponsor this football competition, which is aimed at deepening our (Matrix Energy Group) relationship with host communities. Today, we are proud of what we have achieved with this tournament.

“As you all know, Matrix Energy Group is keen on the development of her host communities. This is one of the many supports Matrix is giving to the communities within our operation base. When the idea of this tournament was sold to us, we immediately bought into it.

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“We are interested in sustaining the existing peace in this area. You can see the smiles on the faces of the leaders of the five communities. If there’s peace among the host communities, it will cascade to our operation. The Ifiekporo community has been very hospitable to us.

“The two teams that advanced to the finals are not indigenous teams, but are resident here. I can assure you that next year will be better than this. We will do more in organising the tournament. We are proud of the outcome,” Salam-Alada stated.

Gentlemen FC defeated Young Boys Football Club by one goal at an electrifying final held at Ifiekporo community football field last Tuesday.

After a keenly contested first half that ended goalless, Solomon Anote put Gentlemen FC ahead with a powerful strike at 30 minutes of the second half.

The final, was also attended by leaders of the various host communities.

The public relations officer of Ifiekporo community youth body, Engr. Andy Eyifoma, congratulated Gentlemen FC for winning the maiden edition of the trophy, stressing that the tournament would be sustained to promote peace and unity among communities in Matrix operational areas.

He commended Matrix Energy Group for sponsoring the game and ensuring that there is peace in its areas of operation in the Warri South.

Other leaders of the various host communities, including Amb. Peter Ede and Pa. Francis Eyifoma commended Matrix Energy Group and competing teams for the success of the tournament, stressing that the competition will engender peace and unity among the host communities and oil firms operating in the area.

The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of trophies, cash gifts, and medals to the competing teams and organisers of the tournament.

Matrix Energy Group has flagged off a unity football competition for its host communities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the company, the competition which is part of activities marking the company’s 20th anniversary and the yuletide, will help foster peace and further deepen the existing mutual understanding between the company and its host communities.

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.

Speaking at the unveiling of the football fiesta, tagged ‘Ifiekporo Unity Cup,’ the firm’s Terminal Manager, Mr. Francis Ibe, said the competition will also unite its host communities of Ifiekporo, Ijala-Ikeren, Ubeji, Egbokodo, and Aja-Etan.

Commending the host communities for providing an enabling environment for the company’s seamless operations over the years, Ibe noted that football is a universal game that easily unites and promotes peace among communities, people, and nations.

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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.

“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.”

On his part, a member of the Elders’ Council of Ifiekporo Community, Pa. Francis Eyifoma, described Matrix as friendly and supportive.