The EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (EMOIMEE HCDT), Thursday, donated three brand new ambulances to enhance healthcare delivery in Eastern Obolo community’s primary health centres.
The Trust also distributed solar-powered street lights to nine villages and initiated training for 50 youths in oil and gas-related skills.
ENOIMEE is an acronym for Eket, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mbo, Eastern Obolo and Esit Eket
Recall that the Trust was inaugurated in July 2023, following the promulgation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, to address the concerns of oil-bearing communities.
Speaking during the Official Flag-off/Handing over of Projects at Okorotte in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, a Board of Trustee (BoT) member of the Trust, Mrs Lily John stated that the projects delivery demonstrate the commitment to the development of the oil community as enshrined in the PIA act.
She highlighted the Trust’s achievements, including awarding scholarships to 237 indigenes in tertiary institutions and 143 in secondary schools.
The representative of Eastern Obolo in the Trust announced that a speed boat would soon be delivered to facilitate movement in the riverine area.
“Since the inception of the Trust in July, 2023, we have worked to provide a strong foundation for the smooth running of the Trust through laying a strong foundation for the management of the Trust’s secretariat in Eket.
“Today, we are handing over of three ambulance buses to improve health delivery in our communities, and the presentation of 50 youths for training in some critical skills needed in the oil and gas sector to improve the chances of employment of our youths in the ongoing development in our area.
“The projects you have seen and will see in the future are not entirely our selection, but the result of what you proposed in your (Eastern Obolo people) 5-year development plan that facilitated by the Settlor, ExxonMobil prior to the incorporation of the Trust,” she added.
The Chairman, EMOIMEE HCDT, Senator Helen Esuene who was represented by Engineer Clinton Akpan assured that the projects are community-focused and apolitical.
She pledged to continue championing manpower development and scholarship programmes for the people of the area.
Esuene appealed for calm among the people as more projects would be executed as captured in the five year development plan.
The Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, His Royal Majesty Ubóóñ Harry Etetor commended the Petroleum Industry Act as an innovative instrument for developing oil-bearing communities.
Etetor further advised youths to safeguard facilities for longevity and community benefit.
Transition Chairman of Eastern Obolo, Elder Uro Nango commended the Trust for ingenuity in developing communities in the area, urging that the ambulances and other social amenities provided by the Trust should be protected and put into appropriate use .
Responding, the Director, Primary Health Center, Mrs Atim Udo described the ambulance buses as extraordinary, stressing that the equipment will help save lives and improve healthcare delivery in the local government.
Our Correspondent reports that the event was sponsored by NNPC/MPN Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust and other members of the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust in Eastern Obolo LGA include: Sir (Rt.Hon) Uduyok Aboh, BoT member, Barr. Nango Nango, Management Committee member and Mr Stephen Tiligborb, Advisory Committee.