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Petralon 54, an indigenous exploration and production company assigned the sole operatorship of Dawes-Island Field in Rivers State, has inaugurated Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT) for the communities – Ogoloma and Koniama (Okochiri and Koniju) in Okrika Local Government. By this action, Petralon 54, a subsidiary of Petralon Energy, has demonstrated its commitment to regulatory compliance, responsible business practice, stakeholder’s wellbeing, and community development. The ceremony, witnessed by industry stakeholders, including top functionaries, oil industry regulators, community and women leaders, chiefs, and representatives of traditional rulers (Amanayabos) of the hosts, held in Port Harcourt. Dignitaries at the event for inauguration of the BoT for Ogoloma and Koniama communities development trusts included Ndukwe Patrick, permanent secretary of Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in Rivers State; Olatokunbo Karimu, assistant director of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); and Dr. Ogechi Opete, deputy director of NUPRC in Port Harcourt Regional Office, who represented Kayode Komolafe, chief executive of NUPRC. Others are Felix Amiesimaka, Okochiri community chair; Chief Ajubo Jamabo, exco member; Council of Chiefs of Ogoloma; Chief Nyengala Justice, who represented King Winston Odiye Alamina Oputibeya XII, Amanayabo of Koniju; Adokiye Aderika, who represented King Ateke Michael Tom, Amanayabo of Okochiri; and representatives of King E.T.I Obudibo, Ikwo V, Amanayabo of Ogoloma. Ahonsi Unuigbe, founder and chief execitive officer of Petralon Energy said “instituting the HCDT is not just compliance with Section Three of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), but an expression of our company’s culture of identifying, addressing and aligning with needs and aspiration of stakeholders, especially communities hosting us”. He added that “…we are making history today by coming together to create a future for the next generation and charting a path for sustainable partnership, empowerment and inclusive growth with inauguration of development trust for our hosts”. Uduakobong Equere, executive director of Petralon 54, earlier said “today’s event reflects a shared commitment to progress, equity, and sustainability. It marks a phase in our collective journey – one that places community development, transparency, and inclusiveness at the heart of extractive industry operations”. Read Also: NECO opens UK exam centre for Nigerians in diaspora Chief Chris Biriowu, BoT Chair of Koniama Development Trust, and spokesperson for Okochiri, lauded Petralon 54 for its commitment, and interest in the people of Okochiri and Koniju – the two communities under Koniama HCDT. “I applaud the leadership of Petralon 54 for its transparency and noble intensions and would like to assure the company of the cooperation of the people of Okochiri”. Similarly, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust, Chief Miebaka Tamunopekerebia described Petralon 54 Ltd as “a people-centric and responsible organisation with a strong commitment to partnership and collaboration”. “Today’s event is a milestone and redefines the relationship between host communities and exploration companies. With the HCDT, a sustainable path to mutual growth, shared prosperity and harmonious interaction has been created for the stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, and we are grateful to the federal government for the noble initiative that brought about this development”. Specifically, Section Three of the Petroleum Industry Act mandates operators to establish Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to foster sustainable prosperity, encourage peaceful co-existence and address the needs of oil-bearing and impacted communities.
