By Aniefiok Christopher
The NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust has executed about 35 projects across the oil-bearing communities in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The NNPC/MPN JV, now Seplat Energy, EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust was established in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to enhance the development of oil bearing communities in the State.
A non-executive member of the Host Community Development Trust, Rev Obot Ekanem told the Executive Director of Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong during a tour of projects in the area by CHRAN.
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Among the projects inspected during the inspection visit were the construction of a two-bedroom semi-detached staff quarters, renovation of a four-classroom block and and perimeter fencing project at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Ikot Obio Ndoho in Ikpa Ibom Clan.
Other projects the team including media practitioners also visited were an ongoing modern toilet facility at Group School, Anyang-Edim, a similar project at St John’s Primary School, Ikot Asong, construction of Civic Centre at Ikot Ekong Village, and the renovation of a six-classroom block at Ndon Ibotio Secondary School all in Mkpat Enin LGA.
Addressing CHRAN officials and journalists during the visit, Rev. Ekanem said the project managers are committed to fostering positive change in collaboration with the NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE, with the aim to leave a lasting impact on the lives of Mkpat Enin people.
Responding, Otuekong Isong commended the company for the pace of work currently executed by the NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust in Mkpat Enin particularly its open-door policy in the execution of people-oriented projects in the affected host communities of the local government area.
The Executive Director of CHRAN thanked the projects managers for accepting to be accountable and transparent on the quality of work across the host communities, saying that the human rights group will continue to monitor as well as partner them towards the successful completion of all ongoing projects in the area.
He announced that the Host Community Development Trust management team is equally doing empowerment programme as well as offering scholarships to the youths and students of Mkpat Enin, appealing to them to extend similar projects to other communities not yet touched by the project managers.
