By Eric Elezuo

The desire of Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited to see to the smooth construction of its Refinery and Serenecity Projects, was further strengthened when the firm, in company of contractors and stakeholders, undertook yet another inspection tour of the sites at Ererufu Community and the Sekungba axis.

Led by the Chairman of Serenecity Staff Housing Estate, Hajia Amina Abdullahi, the tour team supervised the fencing of the secured sites, and gave impressive reviews of the work done so far.

“I am certainly impressed; they have done a good job,” Hajia Amina Abdullahi declared.

The team of SereneCity Project Consultants, who was led by Architect Jane Udokpo, included Surveyors, Civil and Structural Engineers, Mechanical/Electrical Engineers and Security Experts, thoroughly inspected and deliberated on works done so far on the clearing and fencing of the sites of SereneCity and Midoil Refinery.

Speaking with The Boss shortly after the inspection, Hajia Amina Abdullahi, who is an architect and retired seasoned public servant, said she was impressed at the work done to bring to fruition the Midoil Refinery and the SereneCity Vision. She noted that when completed, the Midoil Staff Housing Project would be another Banana Island, but with more distinct features that would surely set it apart from the regular estates.

“We would say we want it to be a better version of Banana Island. We have noticed the lapses in other highbrow estates, and would love to improve on what they have in those places to produce something that is better here,” she said.

She further informed that one of the new features of the Serenecity Staff Housing Project, lacking in other highbrow estates, is the presence of double entrance gates to cater for the movement of both residents and visitors differently, noting that the initiative will reduce unnecessary traffic build-up to the barest minimum.

“We are at the beginning, and you can see that we have started the fencing of the whole land, there will come a time we will do the gate house into the SereneCity. You will find that we are going to have a different entrance for visitors and a different entrance for residents because visitors need to be cleared,” she informed.

She added that apart from the fire service station, police posts and educational institutions that would be strictly constructed to modern standard, the Serenecity Project will also be endowed with a helipad to facilitate fast movement of dignitaries from the airport to the facility with the use of helicopter.

While acknowledging initial harassment from a few of the traditional settlers (omo Onile) of the community, which has been remarkably curtailed owing to the efforts of the Executive Chairman of Midoil, Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde, she appreciated the Lagos State Government for their cooperation so far.

“Lagos State Government is very cooperative. You know State government wants the development of Lagos in every phase.

“For now, it is exclusively for Midoil Refinery Expatriate, Senior, Middle and Junior Staff Quarters.”

She appreciated the various consultants and stakeholders involved as well as host communities for their understanding and cooperation as the project progresses.

Also speaking after the inspection, the Consulting Architect and Project Manager of the SereneCity Project, Arch. Jane Adaku Udokpo, expressed delight at the foresight of the management of Midoil Refinery in coming up with the gigantic project.

“Looking at it, the project is going to be huge. You know every ocean starts with a rain drop. We are starting with a secluding area, and from there to building the main city. So, it is massive.”

Udokpo promised to ensure that all the safety rules and regulations would be applied in the construction of SereneCity disclosing that Midoil has assembled the best of professionals for the project.

On the company’s community relations strategy, Udokpo said, Midoil has applied the best of human relations strategies to guarantee mutual relationship with the host communities and the land owners.

It would be recalled that on March 17, 2024, at the cozy environment of Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Midoil Executive Chairman, Chief Mrs Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde JP organized a reception for representatives of the host communities of Sekungba, Arogbo and Ererufu. The event featured the signing of the agreements with and release of cheques to the communities. There was also the launch of Midoil 3-in-1 Investment Opportunities for Midoil.

Chief (Mrs.) Akintonde had hinted that the ground breaking ceremony of the Refinery Site will be held on July 12, 2024.

The refinery, when completed will produce at a capacity of 100,000bpd.