– As NNPCL/Newcross JV assures host communities of development
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a landmark investment under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, the Anyamina-Ama Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, of the NNPCL/Newcross OML24 Joint Venture has awarded contracts worth over N1.2 billion for infrastructural projects in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The awarded projects, which span education and youth empowerment, include the renovation and furnishing of Community Secondary School, Kula; State Primary School, Kula; and the construction of a state-of-the-art Skills Development Centre.
Additional components include building a Corpers’ lodge and staff quarters for the Community secondary school.
The Trust’s Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Alapuye Eleki, during the formal presentation of contract documents to indigenous contractors for the project, said the board prioritized these projects due to “total decay of infrastructure in public schools and massive youth unemployment in Kula.”
Eleki commended the NNPCL/Newcross JV for timely and adequate funding, describing the Trust as “arguably the first in the eastern Niger Delta to make such significant progress in implementing the PIA on host community development.”
He stated that the public school projects aim to enhance teaching and learning, thereby improving the quality of education in Kula, while the Skills Development Center will provide employable skills to the teeming unemployed youths in the community, making them creative, self-employed and self-reliant.
“All the structures in both the primary and secondary schools in the community are in a state of disrepair. This has aroused lots of negative comments in the community. The renovation of the schools is particularly timely in view of the role of education in community sustainable development.
“The Skills Development Centre, when completed and furnished, is intended to provide quality and employable skills to our teeming unemployed youths, and also provide self-employment opportunities.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Management Committee of the Trust, Chief Dr. Lilly-Inia, confirmed that the contractors had received milestone payments and were legally and financially empowered to begin work immediately.
“They are expected to mobilize to site within 48 hours,” he said.
The Operations Manager of Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd, Mr. Enya Ojiji, assured that the company would work closely with project managers and community representatives to ensure quality execution and timely delivery.
“As the company grows and expands its business, the host community will also experience growth and development,” Ojiji said.
Also speaking, Mr. Okunbor Osadolor, Newcross’ representative on the HCDT Board and its Secretary, emphasized that the contractors were selected on merit through a transparent bidding process.
“The Board overcame significant challenges to reach this milestone, and we expect the contractors to uphold the Trust’s standards for excellence,” Osadolor noted.
The Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom, King Kroma Eleki, who commended Newcross JV for their inclusive approach to corporate social responsibility, particularly in its relationship with the host community, also cautioned the contractors against mismanaging project funds and warned community members to avoid disrupting construction.
“Let the contractors work. Do not harass or mount unnecessary pressure on them,” the monarch urged members of the community.
Leaders of the Kula Community Development Committee, Youth Organization, and Women’s Wing all commended Newcross JV and the Trust while calling for further projects including scholarships and a youth secretariat.
With the N1.2 billion contract rollout, the Anyamina-Ama HCDT of of the NNPC/Newcross OML24 JV says it looks forward to a successful completion and commissioning of the first sets of projects while it is working hard to unveil another sets of projects.
