As Mbo EMOIMEE unveils development scorecard magazine
Stakeholders of the EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) have called on its settlor, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and joint venture partner, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to expedite the release of funds meant for development projects in host communities.
The stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as the accumulation of huge sums of money in bank accounts without corresponding releases for the execution of critical development projects in the benefiting communities.
They made their positions known during the Third Annual General Meeting of the NNPCL/MPN Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust, held at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking separately, the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Helen Esuene; the Paramount Ruler of Onna, HRM Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers; and the former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, criticised the delay in releasing funds to the Trust.
Senator Esuene appealed to the Trust to maintain its commitment to executing holistic and comprehensive development projects, citing the Mbo EMOIMEE HCDT as an example of an organisation that should sustain an integrated approach to community development.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Onna called for the payment of interest accruing on the reported N64 billion accumulated in the Trust’s bank account, insisting that the funds should be made available to accelerate development in the host communities.
He also questioned the decision to hold the AGM outside the EMOIMEE host communities, describing it as inappropriate.
He urged the Trust to make provision for a befitting structure within the benefiting communities to serve as a permanent venue for its annual general meetings and other activities.
Similarly, Engr. Ekuwem commended the creativity and originality behind the establishment of EMOIMEE, which he said started from scratch without copying existing models.
However, he expressed concern that too much money was sitting idle in the bank when it could have been deployed to execute additional development projects.
He maintained that timely release of funds would strengthen the Trust’s capacity to expand its interventions and address the pressing developmental needs of the host communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the incorporated NNPCL/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust, Hon. E. Justus Ntuk, said the Trust made significant progress since its inauguration in July 2023, in fulfilment of Chapter Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
According to him, EMOIMEE has positioned itself as an instrument for building confidence and strengthening relationships between host communities and oil and gas companies.
He noted that sustained engagement and collaboration had transformed what was previously characterised by distrust and tension into a relationship increasingly founded on partnership, understanding and mutual confidence.
Ntuk said the Trust remained committed to implementing more people-oriented programmes and projects aimed at strengthening human capital, expanding educational opportunities, providing relevant skills and supporting basic community infrastructure.
The Third Annual General Meeting also featured the unveiling of the EMOIMEE MBO HCDT Scorecard magazine, which documents the activities, achievements and development interventions of the Trust particularly in Mbo communities.
A documentary produced by the Trust’s Projects Department was also presented, highlighting its activities and community development efforts.
The occasion further featured a send-forth ceremony in honour of the pioneer Secretary to the Board of Trustees of EMOIMEE HCDT, Mr Akaninyene Esiere.
