As arrangements are in top gear ahead of the second anniversary of the NNPCL/Seplat JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust, the joint partners have already scored the Trust high on projects execution.
The inspection team from the financing partners, together with regulators, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), began periodic inspection of projects across the seven local government areas of EMOIMEE on Monday, November 3, as part of activities marking the second year of the Trust.
EMOIMEE, an acronym for Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket and Esit Eket, assembled at the birth of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, was put in place, with the objective of mandating oil companies to remit a compulsory three per cent (3%) operational cost to the Trust for the development of the host communities impacted by oil production.
Speaking at the Ibaka beach, after inspection of various projects in Mbo local government area, Mrs Nkechi Aneadobe, Head, NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services, lauded EMOIMEE for execution of life touching projects across the LGA.
Flanked by her colleagues, Mrs Bunmi Lawson, Manager Stakeholders Relations, and Jenifer Ezeoke, Content & Development Department, Mrs Aneadobe said, “We are here to ensure that the essence of EMOIMEE HCDT is actualised.
“It is always interesting to see projects moving from inception to completion. From what we have seen so far, EMOIMEE is doing just that. We look forward to coming to commission these projects and to receiving other success stories, because each of these projects are meant to impact positively on the communities.”
Also speaking, Mr Ogechukwu Udeagha, General Manager, Public and Government Affairs of the Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), lauded EMOIMEE for their strides in undertaking several projects.
He said, “Today is a very important day for us. We have funded this Trust fully and we thought it was nice for us to come here and see what’s on the ground. We’re here to go round and see some of the projects and hopefully see how we can return here for the commissioning.
“By so doing the objectives of the PIA setting up the Host Community Development Trust will be met. It is better now that we hand over the wheels of development to the community leaders who actually nominate projects and then go ahead to execute them, so the people can enjoy the benefits of oil production in the area. We are happy for what we have seen here so far.”
On his part, the Acting Chairman, EMOIMEE HCDT, Engr Clinton Akpan, expressed excitement over the tour of projects, saying the occasion has provided them the opportunity to take the joint partners round their project sites.
Akpan was joined by other Board Members: Engr Asuquo Inuikim, Mbo; Emmanuel Justus Ntuk, Ikot Abasi; Mrs Lilly Evans, Eastern Obolo; Engr Udo Sunday Obot, Mkpat Enin; Hon. Bassey Dan-Abia, Esit Eket, and Commodore Charlse Usoh, Eket.
Clinton Akpan explained that, “Our projects are in hundreds. We’re taking them round the easily accessible ones so they can take a look. After here in Mbo, we have projects across six other local government areas.”
Meanwhile, the Mbo Board Member, Dr Asuquo Inuikim enumerated the various projects and programmes undertaken by EMOIMEE in Mbo local government area, saying they have contributed immensely to the development of the area.
Sir Inuikim said, “We are here with our guests from NNPCL, Seplat and NUPRC. There are many programmes and projects in Mbo, ranging from business empowerment, award of N400,000 worth of annual scholarships to 200 students of tertiary institutions, installation of solar street lighting, skills acquisition training for 100 youths, and many more.
“For today in Mbo, we are inspecting ongoing rehabilitation of primary health centres in the five communities of Uda, Enwang, Udesi, Ebughu and Effiat. Recall that we just concluded five weeks of free medical workshop, where we took care of the health needs of almost 7000 people free of charge.
“We are also packaging a proposal to form a local security team that will help to secure the environment and all our projects.”
Similarly, the National Youth President of Uda Community in Mbo LGA, Deacon Daniel Udombo said EMOIMEE was a beacon of hope, adding that with the nature of projects being done, the Trust was changing the narrative for community development.
Also part of the tour were the Head of Management Committee, Chief Ulo Ante Uye; Management Committee Member, Mbo, Chief Edet E. Okon; Head of Advisory Committee, Mr Nsudo Nsudo, among many others.
Also, the NUPRC team were: Mrs Olaide Shonola, Senior Manager, Host Community; Mr. Etim Etukudu, Field Coordinator, Eket Office; and Ms Milta Ibrahim, Regulatory officer II, Host Community.
High points of the project tour was the commissioning of renovated classroom block at St Paul’s Primary School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket. The team also commissioned a medical laboratory at the Primary Health Centre, Uquo Operational Base, Esit Eket LGA.
Good one. PIA working with EMOIMEE. Would I that the other HCDTs would emulatc EMOIMEE.