By Josephine Ekpa
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for stronger stakeholder engagement to address the development challenges and harness emerging opportunities in Ibeno Local Government Area, a major oil-producing and coastal community in the state.
The call was made on Friday during EMR’s Core Oil Communities Tour to Ibeno, led by the State Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke. The delegation was received by the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Deaconess Glory Ekah Effiong, alongside other officials of the council.
The engagement focused on critical issues affecting the community, including local content development, environmental protection, oil spills, youth empowerment, community development, host community relations, maritime activities and the emerging blue economy.
Ndifreke said the tour was designed to give EMR firsthand insight into the realities of communities located at the centre of Akwa Ibom’s energy and maritime economy. He said the association was committed to listening to communities, engaging relevant stakeholders and ensuring that issues affecting oil-producing areas receive factual, balanced and responsible media attention.
Describing Ibeno as strategically important to the energy and maritime sectors of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, the EMR chairman stressed that its oil resources and coastal location present significant economic opportunities that must be matched with sustainable development. “We are here to listen, to understand and to report,” Ndifreke said, adding that EMR seeks to contribute to a more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future for Ibeno and Akwa Ibom State.
Responding, Deaconess Glory Ekah Effiong, commended EMR for the initiative, saying it could strengthen understanding and collaboration among government, host communities, the media and other stakeholders. She called for greater transparency and inclusiveness in the implementation of processes established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly those relating to oil-producing communities.
The council Chairman also urged increased attention to youth participation, local business opportunities and community development, stressing the need for indigenes and residents to benefit more meaningfully from economic activities within the area.
Ndifreke reaffirmed EMR’s commitment to factual and responsible journalism, noting that the media must not only highlight challenges requiring intervention but also showcase positive developments, opportunities and solutions.
The Secretary of EMR, Comrade Mabel Ekanem, thanked the council for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustained engagement with oil-producing and maritime communities across Akwa Ibom State.
The Core Oil Communities Tour is an EMR initiative aimed at documenting developments, identifying challenges and opportunities, and promoting constructive dialogue among government, industry players, host communities and other stakeholders.