By HeapNews
Sumedha Energy Limited, a joint venture between Sterling Oil and Nigeria’s NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has appointed journalist Aniekeme Finbarr as media manager for its Akwa Ibom State operations, the company said.
Finbarr will oversee communications and media relations for Sumedha Energy and supporting subsidiaries of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), which provide infrastructure and services to the joint venture’s upstream activities at Oil Mining Lease 13.
The company said the appointment was aimed at strengthening engagement with stakeholders and improving communication with host communities in Akwa Ibom, including giving greater visibility to infrastructure and service units operating under Ibom Developers FZE.
Sumedha Energy described Finbarr as a strategic communications professional whose role will include managing media relations, promoting the company’s development work and responding to what it called false or misleading narratives.
“His experience will help provide a clear platform for our work to be seen and heard by relevant stakeholders,” the company said in a statement.
Finbarr, a broadcast journalist and digital media specialist, previously served as special assistant to two former governors of Akwa Ibom State, experience the company said would support effective collaboration with government, community leaders and other influencers.
His career has earned international recognition, including the U.S. Department of State’s Edward R. Murrow Journalism Fellowship. A native of Akwa Ibom, Finbarr’s appointment also reflects the company’s focus on placing local professionals in senior and strategic roles.
Sumedha Energy said the move forms part of broader efforts by the Sterling Oil Group to strengthen community relations and promote transparent, consistent dialogue around its operations in the state.