By 
Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
WARRI: Founder and executive chairman of ace Nigeria’s indigenous oil and gas engineering company, Lee Engineering Group, Dr Leemon Ikpea, has disclosed how the conglomerate started from a mere 40ft container in 1991.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving Service to mark the 30 anniversary of the company on Sunday November 28, 2021 at St Anthony Catholic Church, Warri, Delta State, the philanthropist, who elevated five foundational staff of the company as shareholders, reflected on his little beginnings vis a vis where the company is today.
According to him, the company, which was established on November 11, 1991 after his resignation from his previous job earlier in the same year, started at a 40-fit container.
“The journey was so rough. This journey was established with a 40 ft container. We started the journey from there and as God continued to bless us, we now moved from that 40 ft container into a hired bungalow.
“From that bungalow, we hired another until we hired four bungalows. From there, God blessed us with this land that you see here. And this place was formally opened in 2012.
“The journey like I said earlier had its ups and downs. As of today, Lee Engineering has nine subsidiary companies. We have branches for retails, production of water, we have a branch for exploration and production e.t.c.
“So, we are thanking God today. My appeal to the younger ones is to try as much as possible to be honest and to commit everything they do in the hands of God as I did and that is the miracle that everyone is seeing today.
“The company has over 2, 000 staff and by the grace of God, I have never defaulted in salary payments. We have diversified into many field and very soon, the president will be in this compound to commission one of our modern factories which would be used for producing all the oil and gas equipment including gas cylinders,” he disclosed.
In their goodwill messages delivered at the reception held at the company’s complex along NPA expressway, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Tom Ikimi and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III all lauded Dr Ikpea and the management for their immense contributions to the entrenchment of the local content act in the oil and gas sector in the past 30 years.
President Buhari, while felicitating with the indigenous oil and gas firm, lauded the company for its efforts in positively impacting the country’s local content policy on the oil and gas industry, especially in the area of employment of thousands of people over the past three decades.
Stonix News reports that LEE Engineering Group was founded on November 11, 1991 by an oil and gas industrialist, Chief Leemon Ikpea, and has grown the company over the years to become a key actor in the oil, gas, power and manufacturing industry.
Speaking through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari lauded Ikpea for attaining such a milestone, praying God to continue to guide him to attain greater heights.
“The President greets the Chairman of the Group, Dr. Leemon Ikpea, the management and staff, as they celebrate the milestone with a thanksgiving service, November 28, 2021.
“He salutes the commitment and resourcefulness of the engineering group, which undertakes key projects in the oil and gas industry that used to be the exclusive preserve of multinational companies,” the statement read.
President Buhari, while wishing the company greater successes ahead, urged the firm to ensure that local content remains a focal area, while providing jobs for more Nigerians.
Speaking in the same vein at the reception on Sunday, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was represented by one of the palace chiefs, while expressing joy at the company’s attainment, has fulfilled all its course and has today stood strong on integrity, commitment diligence and hardwork.
“As a major employer of labour in our community, Lee Engineering is an example that all individuals should emulate to better our society.
“We continue to pray for more successes of your company that it grow from strength to strength,” the reverred royal father prayed.
Five of members of the company who were elevated as shareholders and presented certificates in that regard included Dr. Joseph Ikpea, Executive, Director, Administration and Engr. Anthony Ikpea, Executive Director, Operations and Projects.
Others were Mrs. Becky Elijah, Office and Clients Manager, Mr. Godwin Abhulimen, General Manager, Business Development/Relations and Mr. Benjamin Ebalukhota, Group Chief Financial Controller.
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