By Deborah Ekanem
The EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust has commissioned and donated three brand new ambulance buses to enhance emergency medical services in the catchment areas. The event also witnessed the donation of 600-solar-powered street lights to nine villages and Skill acquisition programs for 50 youths to boost employability and economic prospects in the region.
Speaking during the official flagg-off/handing over of projects at Okoroette in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, a member of the Board of Trustee (BOT), Mrs Lily John intimated that EMOIMEE is an acronym for the seven oil-producing communities in the region which are: Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.
Inaugurated in 2023 following the promulgation of the petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the Trust was established to provide direct social and economic benefits by Oil Companies in Nigeria to oil-bearing communities.
The life enhancement projects, according to the Eastern Obolo Trust representative underscores the Trust's commitment to the holistic development and well-being of its host communities.
"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 5-year development plan, facilitated by the Settler, ExxonMobil prior to the incorporation of the Trust," she added.
She highlighted the Trust's achievements to include: award of scholarships to 237 indigenes in tertiary institutions and 143 in secondary schools, adding that a speed boat would soon be delivered to facilitate movement in the riverine area.
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 people of the area.
Esuene however appealed for calm and assured that more projects would be executed as captured in the five-year development plan.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, His Royal Majesty Ubóóñ Harry Etetor hailed the Petroleum Industry Act as an innovative instrument for developing oil-bearing communities.
He advised youth of the area to take responsibility of the facilities for community's benefit.
Similarly, the Transition Chairman of Eastern Obolo, Elder Uro Nango commended the Trust for the ingenuity in developing communities in the area, assuring that the ambulances and other social amenities provided by the Trust would be protected and put to appropriate use.
In his response, the Director, Primary Health Center in the local Government, Mrs Atim Udo described the ambulance buses as extraordinary, stressing that the equipment will help save lives and improve healthcare delivery in the area.
The event was sponsored by NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust and members of the Trust in Eastern Obolo, including: Sir (Rt.Hon) Uduyok Aboh, BOT membe;, Barr. Nango Nango, Management Committee member and Mr Stephen Tiligborb, Advisory Committee.
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