IHCDT Holds 2nd Annual General Meeting, Reels out Projects

IHCDT Holds 2nd Annual General Meeting, Reels out Projects

…we have turned promises into measurable achievements – Board Chairman

By MediaZone Nigeria

The NNPC/SEPNU JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (IHCDT) today, September 10, 2026 held its Second Annual General Meeting to intimate stakeholders on the achievements recorded by the Trust within three years of existence and to discuss the way forward for stronger collaboration.

In his address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ibeno Host Community Development Trust, Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong, said that the Trust has achieved meaningful progress across key sectors in Ibeno Local Government Area.

IHCDT Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong speaking at the 2nd Annual General Meeting 

He maintained that the vision for Ibeno development birthed few years after the inauguration of the Board in 2023 has produce tangible results and bring development to the door post of Ibeno people.

“One year ago, we came together to unveil a shared vision for Ibeno’s development, anchored in the theme: Reinventing the Wheel of Progress and Development in Ibeno. Over the past years, that vision has translated into meaningful progress across key sectors of our community.

Barr. Diamond Akpanika

“Through our collective commitment and perseverance, we have turned promises into measurable achievements like strengthening infrastructure, empowering communities, building capacity, creating wealth, enhancing skills, improving healthcare, and fostering a better educated and more hopeful future for our people.

He continued, “Today, as we gather under the theme “Lighting the Path to Prosperity: The Ibeno HCDT Story,” our commitment remains steadfast to address infrastructure deficits, empower our people, and create lasting opportunities that will secure a brighter and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Mrs. Glorie Ukochio giving a Vote of Thanks at the 2nd Annual General Meeting 

Some of the projects and programmes executed by IHCDT include: Sponsorship of training and certification programmes on boat making and maintenance of outboard engine, provision of start up capital for small businesses, empowerment of Ibeno men and women in various businesses, donation of 100 boats and 100 outboard engines to community members, scholarship for students, provision of 80,000 branded exercise books, provision of 2000 desks/teacher’s tables and chairs to secondary and primary school construction of classroom blocks, procurement of two 60 seaters luxury buses for Ibeno students and construction/equipped 2 unit 3 bedroom staff quarters at Cottage Hospital, Upenekang, Ibeno, sponsorship of annual medical outreach for Ibeno communities, among others.

Dr. Eunice Thomas, APC House of Representatives Candidate for Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/ONNA

While highlighting numerous achievements recorded by the Trust, Ekpenyong also identified challenges that confront them to include lack of permanent office, unstable soil conditions, waterlogged terrain and the logistical challenges associated with transporting materials across waterways which stampede efficient project delivery.

Group Photograph with Board of Trustees Chairman

Also identified as challenge are delays in responding to correspondence by the Settlor which affect the Trust’s ability to carry out it’s work effectively. He therefore suggested for the Regulators to establish a direct communication channel that will provide feedback and clarification on regulatory matters, stressing that such mechanism will help address issues proactively, reduce the risk of inadvertent breaches and improve operational efficiency.

A detailed breakdown of income and expenditure of IHCDT was presented and a motion for adoption of the Report was moved by a Member of the Board of Trustees, Barr. Diamond Akpanika.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Seplat Energy, Hadiza Garbati, said the Annual General Meeting provided stakeholders the opportunity to look back, take stock, account for their stewardship, celebrate progress and agree on the journey ahead.

She noted that Seplat relationship with Ibeno LGA has been strengthened with the of ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in December 2024. She maintained that the long termed success of the Trust will not only be measured by the amount of money made available but how well the resources is managed, stressing that good governance, accountability and financial discipline must remain non-negotiable.

She congratulated Sam Ekpenyong led Board of Trustees, Management Committee, Advisory Committee, and everyone that has worked to bring the initiatives to life, calling for more cooperation to achieve the desirable results.

The Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, His Royal Majesty, Owong (Prof) Effiong Archianga represented by Prince Effiong Archianga Jnr, lauded Ibeno Host Community Trust for doing exceptionally well, saying the selected members of the Trust have performed beyond expectations and deserve another tenure to consolidate on their performances.

The APC House of Representatives Candidate for Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/ONNA Federal Constituency, Dr. Eunice Thomas, poured encomium on the Board of Trustees of IHCDT for a work welldone. She noted that her husband, Mr. Ekpenyong has been a very meticulous person and always deliver on set goals, urging him and his team to do more for Ibeno people.

NUPRC State Coordinator, Engr. William Etukudo, in his speech, said the Trust has justified the confidence reposed on them, calling for stronger partnership to foster prosperity and bring tangible development to Ibeno Local Government Area.

In her goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Glory Ekah represented by the Council Secretary, Elder Daniel Solomon, lauded the complementary role that IHCDT has played in bringing development to the people, maintaining that the Trust has lifted the huge burden and pressure from the Council.

The Council Chairman solicited for stronger collaboration with all the Trusts in Ibeno to deliver more developmental projects and programs to the people of Ibeno LGA.

Other goodwill messages were received from the State Ministry of Health, ECEWS, SSA to the Governor on NDDC, Apostle Samuel Ekah, SA to the Governor on Disability, Mrs. Nene Bassey, Secretary Ibeno Cottage Hospital, Mrs Victoria Eshiet, among others.

Highpoint of the meeting was a Vote of Confidence on the Trust by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, His Royal Majesty, Owong Prof Effiong Archianga and Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council.