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NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE HCDT, MKPAT ENIN WINS STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT AT ENGAGEMENT FORUM

 THE NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE HCDT, MKPAT ENIN WINS STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT AT ENGAGEMENT FORUM

HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene
Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin LGA


Aniedi UKOENANG

Stakeholders across the 87 villages in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, including community leaders, women, youth representatives, and others, have expressed unanimous commendation for the management committee of the NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust – Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. Led by the Board of Trustees Rep Engr. Sunny Udo. The committee received praise for its accountability, transparency, and commitment to regular stakeholder engagement.

Management team and government officials 

During a stakeholder engagement meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the palace of HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, stakeholders emphasized that these qualities foster mutual trust and are essential for the programme's continued success.



In his welcome remarks, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene lauded the committee for hosting the meeting at his palace and for maintaining a consistent culture of consultation and stakeholder engagement. He urged community leaders and other stakeholders to continue supporting the committee’s efforts to ensure the programme's long-term impact. The Paramount Ruler however raised concerns over the composition of  MKPAT Enin EMOIMEE monitoring committee by the Local Government Authority, adding that the committee set by the council Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Inyang is highly political and not in accordance with the laws guiding the initiative. He cautioned the council Chairman against acting without due consultations, and declared the committee set by the Local Government Chairman nullified. “When it comes to matters between oil companies and host communities, the traditional rulers are at the forefront, the oil companies work with us not politicians, because this initiative is community based and not political “. He said. 


Clan Heads of Ikpa Ibom, Ukpum Minya and Ibiaku clans

Addressing the gathering, Engr. Sunny Udo provided an overview of the EMOIMEE programme in Mkpat Enin, its objectives, and its operational framework. He highlighted the opportunities created through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to drive human capacity development and physical infrastructure growth in the oil-impacted communities of Mkpat Enin. Engr. Udo described the initiative as a beacon of hope for previously marginalized oil-producing regions, emphasizing its potential to deliver sustainable development.



A detailed presentation by Rev. Obot Ekanem, a management committee member, covered the programme's historical context, organizational structure, and regulatory framework. He showcased several completed initiatives, including scholarship schemes, youth empowerment programmes, and free medical outreach services, amongst others.  Rev. Ekanem reaffirmed the committee's dedication to accountability and transparency, urging community leaders to ensure fair distribution of welfare programmes across all families. “This programme belongs to everyone,” he said. “When opportunities such as empowerment programmes come to your community, ensure they are equitably distributed so everyone benefits during either of the many phases that these initiatives would be carried out.” He further urged attendees to discountenance rumours of malpractice in the programme, adding that the strong operational framework and supervision of the programme by the settlors makes any form of financial malfeasance nearly impossible. 



The advisory member of the board, Comrade Innocent Idem also shed light on the various opportunities available in the programme as provided for by the PIA, urging the people to position themselves to benefit from the initiative. “I advise the Local Government Council to set up a technical committee to write and approach other settlors operating in Mkpat Enin so that we can also be included in their host community development trusts”. He opined. 


From Right: BOT Chairman, Engr. Sunny Udobot, Management Member Rev. Obot Ekanem and rep. of Council Chairman Hon. Udobia


The meeting also featured contributions from stakeholders, including clan heads, political representatives, and youth leaders. Speakers applauded the management committee’s consistent communication and proactive engagement with all four clans within Mkpat Enin.


Specifically, one of the speakers, Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah who is the chapter Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mkpat Enin thanked the committee for being apolitical in their operations. He however joined voices with the paramount ruler to condemn the composition of  Mkpat Enin EMOIMEE monitoring committee by the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, describing the committee as highly political and non inclusive. 


Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah 


Notably, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, represented by Dr. Imowo Udobia, acknowledged the long struggle for recognition and development in host oil communities. He celebrated the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, which led to the establishment of the EMOIMEE programme. Hon. Inyang pledged the full support of the local government administration to the committee’s initiatives and joined others in commending its efforts to bring development and empowerment to the people.


The event concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to collaborate and maximize the opportunities presented by the PIA and EMOIMEE programme, ensuring its benefits reach every corner of the community; even as the management committee pledged to strengthen community collaboration through stakeholder engagement and regular press briefings.

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