By Godwin Chukwumaechi
The Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Andoni LGA of River state has officially flagged off the construction of a water project and commissioned newly renovated buildings at the Community Secondary School (CSS), among other facilities.
This initiative which is in collaboration with joint venture partners Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lekoil and Gas Investment Limited marks a significant milestone in their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.
Speaking at the event, GEIL Executive Director, Legal & Corporate Services, Olusegun Ilori said the initiative was part of a comprehensive Community Development Plan developed in collaboration with local stakeholders.
“The projects include a Universal Basic Education (UBE) six-classroom block, principal’s quarters, a state-of-the-art laboratory building, a generator house, and modern toilet facilities at Ayama/Okama.
“The renovations were executed by Lewendo Limited and Peeman Integrated Services, ensuring high-quality standards that create a conducive learning environment for primary and secondary school students, thus fostering academic excellence and supporting the educational aspirations of the community”, he added.
Also speaking, Professor Lysias D. Gilbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ikuru Town HCDT, highlighted several key projects undertaken by the Trust.
These include the establishment of a mini community gathering site (Otunchit) at the waterfront, a community generator house, and two public toilets at Ayama and Okama.
In his address, Gilbert acknowledged the joint venture’s efforts in ensuring a smooth transition from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regime to compliance with PIA requirements as stipulated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“Worthy of note is that the Settlor (Green Energy International Ltd & Lekoil and Gas Investment Ltd Joint Venture – JV – Operator of Otakikpo field PML 11) spearheaded the processes leading to the incorporation of Ikuru Town HCDT on 16th December, 2022 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), pursuant to sections 235 and 236 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”.
He added that in fairness to the JV, “they ensured that the transition from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regime to the PIA was completed based on requirements stipulated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) regulations.
“They also organized intensive training sessions for members of the HCDT and the meetings were mostly handled by a renowned community development-oriented consultancy firm, New Nigeria Foundation (NNF),” he said.
Prof. Gilbert pointed out that at the commencement of the MoU period ,”the JV contributed N90 million annually towards the development of Ikuru Town community. This amount was later reviewed upward to the sum of N130 million.
“Under the current PIA framework, pursuant to section 240 (2), Otakikpo JV now contributes 3% of its operating expenditure (OPEX) from the previous financial year towards community development in Ikuru Town according to a five-year Community Development Plan (CDP) approved by NUPRC.
“The funding for these trusts comes from their 3% OPEX remittances to support development projects outlined in the Community Development Plan. Currently, several ongoing projects running into millions of naira are being implemented in host communities under the HCDTs. One notable project is the Ikuru Town Water Project, which has an estimated cost exceeding ₦500 million.
“The first phase of this water project is projected to cost approximately ₦150 million. GEMARK Construction Limited is handling two major water drilling operations at a cost of ₦105,012,858.68, while PEEMAN Integrated Services will construct the facility house at an estimated cost of ₦47,023,414. Details regarding the second and third phases of the project will be announced soon”, Prof Gilbert stated.
Highlighting their commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he identified several completed projects and initiatives.
He said ; “From November 2023 (when we started receiving funds), we have achieved some of the under-listed projects:
“Payment of salary arrears, livelihood support to community workers, Continuous payment of salaries/stipends to community workers, Distribution of 10kg of rice each to over 1,000 households in December 2023.”
The Ikuru Town HCDT, he said, further secured an office block for its operations, Employed two (2) Ikuru Town indigenes as part of the 3-man HCDT secretariat staff, Engaged Cordros Asset Management Ltd to manage over N150 million reserve funds belonging to the HCDT.”
They also negotiated with Cordros Asset Management to employ three (3) graduates from Ikuru Town as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the community. The employment process is ongoing. Ongoing training of 15 (9 females and 6 males) youths in various skills (pipe fitting, welding and fabrication, phone repairs, hair styling, hair cutting, fashion designing and video editing/photography), which will equip them with requisite knowledge needed to secure better-paying jobs and improve their livelihoods. We are currently accommodating, feeding and paying their transport fares to their respective training venues. At the expiration of their training, the HCDT will give them some take-off grants.
“Awarded contract for the drilling and provision of potable water for the community, and also collaborating with other major stakeholders to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in the community and its environs.
“Award of contracts to 2 indigenous contractors, Lowendo and Peeman for the renovation of a 6-classroom UBE block, Laboratories (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) building, principals’ building, Otunchit building, community generator house, and public toilets at Ayama and Okama. Recall that on 31st March 2024, a severe wind storm caused extensive damages to these buildings and thus necessitated the intervention of the HCDT.
“I cannot end this address without acknowledging the supportive role of the Otakaikpo JV, NNF, HCDT secretariat staff, our community leaders (especially, Okaan-Ama, HRM, King Dr. Aaron M. Ikuru, KSC, JP, Ikwut VII) and the Ikuru Town Youth Congress (ITYC). Your solidarity, commitment and dedication to our shared values of Ikuru Town community development are highly commendable,” he said.
