The NNPC/MPN Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has restated its commitment to infrastructure development, human capacity building, and community empowerment in Eastern Obolo, with a new wave of projects scheduled for tender this year.
This was the highlight of the Trust’s quarterly briefing held on Saturday August 9, 2025 at Obolo Hall, Okoroete, which brought together the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, Rt. Hon. Eld. Uboon Harry John Etetor, the Chairman of Council, Hon. Samuel Nteogwuija, the Members of the local executive council,traditional chiefs, local government stakeholders, women and youth representatives, and other community stakeholders.
The meeting opened with prayers led by Sir. Ikann Aganin, introductions, and goodwill messages from dignitaries including village heads before the BOT Representative, Sir U. J. Aboh, delivered a detailed account of projects executed from the current Community Development Plan (CDP).
Completed and Ongoing Projects
Under the education sector, the Trust has completed the construction of six-classroom blocks at Isiotoyo, Edonwik, and Migrant Secondary School Emerolle; built a perimeter fence at Secondary School, Iko Town; constructed and equipped a science laboratory at Ikonta Obiaya Secondary School; and provided teachers’ quarters at Kampa Primary School.
In healthcare, three ambulances have been provided for Okoroete, Iko Town, and Amadaka Primary Health Centres, alongside the construction of a Primary Health Centre at Isiotoyo.
Civic infrastructure projects include civic centres at Okoroiti and Egwenewe, while in the power sector, solar-powered streetlights have been installed across 10 communities.
At the market development level, both locked and open stalls have been built at Amadekay. The human capital development drive has trained over fifty youths in various skills, including the oil and gas sector, with many graduates now gainfully employed — an initiative aimed at reducing youth restiveness.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Sir Aboh noted that the CDP will be due for a holistic review at the end of its four-year cycle to better capture the informed needs of the host communities. He also acknowledged the current state of the Paramount Ruler’s Palace as a concern but hinted at positive prospects for intervention.
2025 Project Projections
For the current year, the following projects will be called for tender:
ICT Centre at Okoroette (for computer-based examinations)
Construction of a 1km road at Iko Town
Provision of a solar-powered borehole at Atabrikang, Iwofe
Construction of a six-classroom block at Okoroinysng Primary School
Skill Acquisition Centre at Elile
Perimeter fencing at Okorombokho Primary School
Construction of Okoromita Secondary School
Construction of a 1km road at Elile
Stakeholder Reactions
Stakeholders including the Executive Chairman of Eastern Obolo, a former chairman, traditional chiefs from various communities, and representatives of women and youth groups commended the Trust’s interventions while urging the BOT to prioritise projects with the most direct community impact.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks another BOT Rep. Mrs. Lily Evans John and light entertainment, reinforcing EMOIMEE HCDT’s pledge to continue driving meaningful development in Eastern Obolo’s education, health, power, civic, and economic sectors.
The Executive Chairman of Eastern Obolo in his closing remark eulogies EMOIMEE HOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST-EASTERN OBOLO and it’s members for their development strides in bringing the dividend of the Trust the people of Eastern Obolo. The Chief Executive of the council use the occasion to urge stakeholders, chiefs and youth to ensure that the projects put in place by the trust is protected by the community. The chairman solicited for the partnership with the trust and others for further development of the area.
A member of the Management Committee of the Trust Barr. Nango Douglas Nango while briefing newsmen said that the Petroleum Industry Act signed by the Former president Muhammadu Buhari government came to address the yearnings of the people and the Trust which is the springboard of the Act has brought in light the the host community which were hitherto neglected.
Barr. Nango further assured that the Trust is committed to ensure transparency while developing the communities.
