Joint Venture partners, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lekoil and Gas Investment Limited have announced the flag-off of a water project, as well as the commissioning of newly renovated school buildings and other facilities in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, thus marking “a significant milestone in our commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.”
According to a release signed on behalf of the JV partners by Olusegun Ilori Esq., Executive Director, Legal & Corporate services, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), the joint venture “As part of our ongoing efforts to positively impact the host communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State and beyond, has successfully completed the renovation of key educational facilities under the Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).”
Ilori said this initiative “is part of a comprehensive Community Development Plan developed in collaboration with local stakeholders. The projects include a UBE six-classroom block, principal’s quarters, a state-of-the-art laboratory building, a generator house, and modern toilets at Ayama/Okama.
“The renovations were carried out by Lewendo Limited and Peeman Integrated Services, ensuring high-quality standards that create a conducive learning environment for primary and secondary school students, fostering academic excellence and supporting the educational aspirations of the community.
“In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the joint venture is committed to providing scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Through these initiatives, we empower young scholars by offering them opportunities to achieve academic success and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Ilori further said “the structure and processes of GEIL’s social responsibility programme are focused on maximizing value across our host communities, including Ikuru Town, Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet. The transition from the MoU regime to the HCDT has established a legally backed framework for sustainable community development.
“Since inception, GEIL and Lekoil have strived to create shared prosperity while building trust and promoting social development initiatives. Our core thematic areas include direct social investment programmes aimed at addressing development deficits through the empowerment of women and youth, capacity building, health outreach, scholarships, community contracts, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation programmes.
“In line with our commitment to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), we have actively engaged with host communities to raise awareness about the PIA, conduct needs assessments, and develop the Community Development Plan. This effort culminated in the establishment of HCDTs approved by the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust, Ugama Ekede Host Community Development Trust, Ayama Ekede Host Community Development Trust, Asukama Host Community Development Trust, and Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust,” he said.
Through these trusts, Ilori said, Green Energy International Limited & Lekoil and Gas Investment Limited Joint Venture(Otakikpo JV) has set a benchmark for other exploration and production companies by fulfilling all requirements for establishing HCDTs.
“We are funding these trusts through our 3% OPEX remittances to support development projects outlined in the Community Development Plan.
“Today, we are pleased to announce that we have several ongoing projects running into millions of naira in our host communities under the HCDTs, one of which is the Ikuru Town Water project costing over N500 million.
“The first phase of the water project will cost approximately ₦150 million. GEMARK Construction Limited is handling two major water drilling operations at a cost of ₦105,012,858.68 million, while PEEMAN Integrated Services will be responsible for constructing the facility house at an estimated cost of ₦47,023,414 million. The second and third phase of the project will be announced soon.
“The expected completion date for this phase is December 2024. Additionally, we are implementing non-infrastructural initiatives that focus on administering scholarships and bursaries aimed at empowering students in our communities.
“Through these initiatives stemming from our Community Development Plan, Green Energy International Limited is committed to contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by facilitating sustainable interventions that support livelihoods within our communities,” he said.
