The Otakikpo JV, consisting of Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Limited has inaugurated the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), for Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities in Rivers State.
This is in accordance with section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act which was signed into law in August 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking at the inauguration in Port Harcourt, the Director, GEIL, HRH David Serena Dokubo Spiff noted that since inception, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and LekOil Joint Venture has continuously recognized its responsibility to create prosperity and have made consistent efforts to build trust, confidence and promote social development initiatives in the host communities.
“Over the years, we have ensured that our core thematic areas are geared towards providing direct social investment programmes to address development deficits through empowerment of women and youths, capacity building and skill acquisition, health outreaches, scholarships, direct community contracts, infrastructures and promotion of poverty alleviation programmes and other sustainable development initiatives, even before the PIA was signed into law.
The Otakikpo JV moved into action as soon as the PIA was signed into Law to document key legal provisions required for the establishment of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT). This, he said was followed through with a grassroot mobilization and sensitization programme to advance understanding of the legal provisions towards the establishment of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
He added that GEIL has engaged the people of Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities at the grassroot level to galvanize support to conduct needs assessment that metamorphosed into a community Development Plan (CDP), which was carefully validated by members of the communities.
He added that establishment of the HCDT was only possible through the engagement of community stakeholders, approvals by the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and a formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission “CAC” under the name “Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust’’
“With the support our host communities, Green Energy International Limited has clearly set the pace for other E&P companies by being one of the first to fulfill all requirements for the establishment of the HCDT” he concluded.
Also commenting, the representatives of the communities, Chief. (Hon) Gad Harry Ekprikpo expressed their satisfaction with the company. According to him, GEIL has demonstrated its genuine love for the communities over the years through sustainable development programs that have positively impacted the lives of its dwellers and entire indigens.
He added that with the inauguration of the HCDT for the communities, there is no doubt that meaningful projects designed to resolve the immediate socio-economic challenges confronting the host communities will be implemented without delay.
