PIA-EMOIMEE: Eket LGA Host Community Trust Flags Off Skill Acquisition, Empowerment Series

PIA-EMOIMEE: Eket LGA Host Community Trust Flags Off Skill Acquisition, Empowerment Series

Joseph Ekong

The NNPC/SEPLAT JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust of Eket Local Government, has flagged off its Skill Acquisition and Empowerment programme for 2025.

The initiative flagged off over the weekend at the Animeks International Schools Auditorium, Eket Local Government, is part of the mandate of the Host Community Development Trust, a provision under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Outgoing BoT Chairman, Bishop Helen Esuene with other members

In a statement by the Member Representing Eket Local Government in the Board of EMOIMEE HCDT, Air Commodore Charles Uso, he explained that the initiative is aimed at empowering Eket youths and adults to enhance their employability as well as prepare them for take off as entrepreneurs.

The Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Majesty, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, Barr. Gabriel Fan and others

Speaking further he noted that, a total of 180 youths will benefit from the empowerment in 4 different areas; 40 trainees for Oil and Gas maintenance and operations, 40 for Information Communication Technologies, 40 for fashion and Design, and 60 for cake making and pastries.

The training, which will span 3 to 5 months, will also provide trainees with starter-pack such as computer laptop, electric sewing machine, cooker with oven, while Oil and Gas trainees would be internationally certified to be employable in the Oil and Gas industries.

Air Commodore Uso recounted the programmes executed since its inauguration on 19th July 2023.

“Eket HCDT gave out 43 mini buses, 30 tricycles and 28 motorcycles as empowerment items as well as 214 scholarships to Eket students in the tertiary institutions for 2023/2024 academic year. Cash empowerment was made available to our market men and women in 2024. In 2024/25 academic year, 286 sons and daughters of Eket origin in the tertiary institutions benefitted from our scholarship. The 2025/2026 which is being process would cater for 376 students”.

In the areas of infrastructure, the Board member noted that, “36 indigenous contractors were awarded renovation projects with 8 primary schools and 3 health centers carefully selected across the 3 zones of Central, Urban and Okon”.

Group photograph with some of the Trainees

The project also covers areas of security and essential amenities such as provision of perimeter fences, solar lights and guards, water supply by provision of solar powered boreholes and renovation of critical classrooms.

Hoping to deliver the projects within the years, the Board member revealed that, 70% of the contract sum has been paid to the contractors.

As part of the educational and environmental intervention initiatives, the Eket HCDT has also provided 150 desks designed to accommodate 300 pupils, 40 tables and chairs teachers, 8 tables for headmasters for the 8 primary schools in Eket Local Government.

Also, due to heavy rain, 4 primary schools have been considered for ecological intervention to avert future flood damage.

His Highness, Chief Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang and Chief Philip Asuama

In a bid to enhance agricultural potential, Eket HCDT, revealed that farm roads will be opened, purchase of two fishing and seafaring boats and support for integrated agribusiness have been captured in the 2025 budgetary provision.

Although not captured in the 5-year CDP of Eket HCDT EMOIMEE at the inauguration, the Eket Trust through the approval of the NUPRC have selected key projects as part of its health programme for Immanuel General Hospital; provision of 24/7 power supply, solar powered backup for critical areas such as operating theatre, water supply for the entire hospital by solar powered borehole, environmental sanitation and security services.

Eket HCDT decried its challenges in the past 2 years, hinting that, the 5-year imposed community development plan is a major limitation to deliver some of the highly expected projects and programs that will impact the community.

The high point of the event was the flag off which was done by the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, HRM. Edidem E. C. D. Abia, who charged the participants to make use of the opportunity.

In their goodwill messages, the immediate past chairman of the Board of Trustee, Archbishop Senator Helen Esuene, the chairman of the event Chief Philip Asuama, Chief Asam Usoro, commended the Eket Trust for the milestone achievements, advising beneficiaries to live up to expectations.

The wife of the Paramount Ruler, HRM Obonganwan Mandu Abia, Village Head of Adoro Atabong, HH Mkpisong Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang.

Members of the Eket Legislative Council were, the Majority Leader Eket Legislative Council Hon. Abasiama Okon, Chief Whip Hon. Mercy Ekpe, Hon. Udeme Isemin, Hon. Uwem Enoch, Okon Oduok, Hon. Itohowo Ebitu.