The end-of-year meet-and-greet visit by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to the Mbo Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, turned into a forward-looking engagement as the paramount ruler of Mbo, His Royal Majesty Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang, used the occasion to clearly outline development priorities he expects the Trust to pursue in 2026.
Held at the palace of the paramount ruler in Mbo Local Government Area, the meet-and-greet provided a platform for the royal father to set an agenda focused on institutional support, improved welfare for traditional rulers, and infrastructural development, while also appreciating EMOIMEE for sustaining engagement with traditional institutions.
Welcoming the delegation, HRM Ogwong Abang thanked the Board for the visit but expressed concern over what he described as critical unmet needs within the community.
He reminded the visitors that the NNPC/Seplat JV EMOIMEE HCDT was established by the government as an interventionist platform to address development challenges in host communities, noting that some pressing issues had remained unresolved.
“I sincerely welcome you, the Board Chairman and members of the BoT of EMOIMEE to my palace here in Mbo,” the monarch said, as he drew attention to the condition of his palace, which he said did not reflect the dignity and status of a paramount ruler.
According to him, “If you look at my palace, you will realise that it does not have the taste and status of a paramount ruler. Compare this palace to any other palace in the state, you will see that it is not befitting of my office.”
Flanked by other clan heads in Mbo, including HRH Ita Otong (Ubodung Clan), Offong Etim Abang (Ukwong Clan), Ogwong Bassey Effiong Bassey (Effiat Clan), HH Asuquo Antai Edubio (Ebughu Clan), the traditional ruler disclosed that he had earlier raised the issue with EMOIMEE leadership during the last year visit, but without tangible results and therefore appealed for urgent intervention.
He specifically called on the Trust to approve the construction of a befitting, well-fenced palace for him, stressing the enormous responsibilities borne by traditional rulers in maintaining peace and serving their people.
Okon Abang further highlighted the financial pressures faced by traditional institutions, particularly during festive periods.
He explained that during the yuletide season, many community members visit the palace expecting support such as rice, money, and other food items, demands he said could not be met with the “meagre salary” paid to traditional rulers by the government.
In setting a broader development agenda for the coming year, the paramount ruler also appealed for the establishment of an EMOIMEE office in Mbo, noting that such an office would enhance administrative efficiency, aid correspondence, and serve as a constituency office where ideas and suggestions could be collated to drive faster development in the area.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Ag Board chairman of EMOIMEE, Engr. Clinton Akpan, said the visit was intended to appreciate the paramount ruler and the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) for their support and cooperation throughout 2025, while reaffirming EMOIMEE’s commitment to partnership with traditional institutions.
He acknowledged the crucial role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, stability, and harmony within host communities, describing them as integral stakeholders in the EMOIMEE framework.
Engr. Akpan, who was accompanied by other BoT members including Engr. Asuquo Edet Inuikim (Mbo), Hon. Justus Emmanuel Ntuks (Ikot Abasi), Mrs. Lilly Evans (Eastern Obolo), and Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia Jr. (Esit Eket), stressed that the involvement of traditional rulers in needs assessment and the formulation of Community Development Plans (CDP) is “sacrosanct” to the success of the Trust.
Also in company of the head of Management Committee, Chief Ulo Ante Uye; the secretary, Dr Joshua Ndoho; and Mbo Advisory Committee secretary, Chief Ita Ntekim, the BoT chairman who assured the council of carefully noting all requests raised, said the appeals would be tabled at appropriate quarters for consideration and possible implementation.
He reiterated the Board’s commitment to working within its mandate to promote sustainable development across EMOIMEE host communities.
Also speaking, Hon. Justus Emmanuel Ntuks explained some operational constraints facing the Trust. He noted that EMOIMEE’s activities are largely dependent on the approvals of the settlor, who may decline projects or programmes not captured in the approved Community Development Plan (CDP).
According to him, this situation often affects the execution of initiatives considered critical by host communities.
He urged the TRC to remain patient and supportive, adding that efforts were ongoing at the legislative level to amend relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Hon. Ntuks expressed optimism that such amendments would grant host community trusts greater autonomy and control over funds, thereby enabling EMOIMEE to execute priority projects and programmes in line with the development expectations set by the Mbo paramount ruler as the Trust prepares for 2026.
