By Dianabasi Effiong
Uyo ( FLOWERBUDNEWS): Oil-bearing communities in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
have commended the Oriental Energy Resources Limited for showing a genuine commitment to the welfare of its host communities through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
They made this known on Thursday when the Chairman of the Efiat/Mbo Board of Trustees, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Barr. Inam Effiong Okon, alongside other community stakeholders had a stakeholders’ engagement with the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) in Uyo.
They also expressed concern over what they described as years of neglect in spite of their contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas economy.
According to the communities, while successive governments fail to address their developmental needs, Oriental Energy Resources Limited has continuously demonstrated a genuine commitment to the welfare of its host communities.
The stakeholders noted that although Mbo Local Government Area remained one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing areas, the communities had continued to suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, limited educational opportunities, and a lack of meaningful government presence.
They stated, “We have oil, but Akwa Ibom State has forgotten us. The only company that has consistently shown concern for our people is Oriental Energy. They are doing what is expected of a responsible corporate citizen.”
The communities further commended Oriental Energy Resources Limited, founded in 1990 by Muhammadu Indimi, for implementing several community development programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the people.
The projects already executed by the company included the construction of a modern science laboratory in Efiat, the provision of teachers’ quarters, the award of scholarships and other educational support programmes, as well as the timely remittance of the three per cent Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund as stipulated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The stakeholders further disclosed that the company had unveiled additional community development initiatives that would significantly improve socio-economic conditions in Mbo.
These include, the construction of an 80-unit housing estate, a modern hospital, the strengthening of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the provision of grants for market men and women, and technical skills training for indigent youths.
According to them, the educational empowerment programme will also be expanded to provide scholarships for 40 secondary school students in private schools, while beneficiaries of vocational training will receive starter packs upon completion to enable them to establish their own businesses.
They further revealed that selected youths would be sponsored for advanced computer training, while outstanding participants would undergo specialised overseas training to enhance their technical competence and global competitiveness.
Describing the company’s intervention as commendable, the community leaders said Oriental Energy had continued to demonstrate that a meaningful partnership with host communities was achievable when companies prioritise sustainable development.
The stakeholders, however, expressed disappointment over what they described as the absence of visible developmental projects from agencies established to serve oil-producing communities.
They also lamented that in spite of statutory allocations under the PIA, the expected impact had not been felt across many host communities.
“Even the three per cent meant for host communities has not translated into visible development. Our people still lack basic amenities. We sincerely appreciate the late President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Petroleum Industry Act into law because it has provided a legal framework for host community development. What remains is its faithful implementation,” they stated.
The community leaders appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), relevant federal agencies, and other interventionist organisations to pay greater attention to the developmental needs of Mbo Local Government Area, stressing that the area’s strategic contribution to the nation’s economy deserves corresponding investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
They also pledged their commitment to maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment for oil and gas operations.
The communities called for stronger collaboration among government, regulatory agencies, development partners, and operating companies to ensure that the benefits of natural resources translated into tangible improvements in the lives of the people and residents of the host communities.