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By Josephine Ekpa
Community leaders in Mbo Local Government Area have acknowledged Oriental Energy Resources Limited for its community development projects, while urging government at all levels to increase investment in infrastructure and essential public services across the oil-producing communities.
Stakeholders from oil-producing communities in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have commended Oriental Energy Resources Limited for its consistent commitment to community development through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, even as they appealed for stronger government intervention to address longstanding developmental challenges in the area.
The call was made during an interactive session between members of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and representatives of the Efiat/Mbo host communities held in Uyo.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Chairman of the Efiat/Mbo Board of Trustees, Barr. Inam Effiong Okon, lamented the poor state of infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited educational opportunities and the lack of basic social amenities despite the area’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He observed that government intervention has fallen short of expectations over the years, while Oriental Energy has continued to execute projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
According to the stakeholders, the company’s community development initiatives include the construction of a modern science laboratory in Efiat, teachers’ accommodation, scholarship schemes, educational support programmes and the establishment of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
They also disclosed that the company is preparing to embark on additional projects such as an 80-unit housing estate, a modern hospital, financial support for market women and small business owners, as well as technical and vocational training programmes for unemployed youths.
As part of its expanded educational support, Oriental Energy is expected to provide scholarships for 40 students attending private secondary schools. Beneficiaries of vocational training programmes will also receive starter packs to help them establish their own businesses.
The stakeholders further revealed that selected youths would undergo advanced computer training, with exceptional participants to be sponsored for specialised overseas programmes to further develop their professional expertise.
Community leaders described the company’s interventions as impactful and responsive to the needs of the people, noting that its investments have strengthened peaceful relations between the company and its host communities while promoting sustainable development.
Despite these achievements, they expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as inadequate government presence in the area, stressing that many communities still lack good roads, quality healthcare, educational facilities and other essential public infrastructure.
The stakeholders welcomed the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, describing it as an important framework for advancing host community development, and called for its full implementation to ensure oil-bearing communities benefit as intended.
They also appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), relevant federal agencies and development partners to complement private sector efforts by investing in critical infrastructure, healthcare, education and other development projects across Mbo Local Government Area.
The community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and supporting a conducive environment for oil and gas operations, while advocating closer collaboration among government, host communities and operating companies to drive sustainable development and improve the quality of life for residents.
