— As assured by the NNPCL/NewcrossJV to host communities regarding developments
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt —
Under the groundbreaking Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, the Anyamina-Ama Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, associated with the NNPCL/Newcross OML24 Joint Venture, has granted contracts valued at more than N1.2 billion for infrastructure development within Kula Kingdom, located in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The recognized initiatives encompassing education and youth development consist of refurbishing and outfitting the Community Secondary School in Kula, as well as the State Primary School in Kula. Additionally, they involve building an advanced Skills Development Center.
Extra elements encompass constructing a residence for the corp members and living spaces for the staff at the Community secondary school.
During the official handover of contract papers to local contractors for the initiative, The Trust’s Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Alapuye Eleki stated that the board gave priority to these projects because of "the severe deterioration of facilities in public schools along with substantial joblessness among young people 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 mentioned that the public school initiatives are designed to boost teaching and learning, which will ultimately elevate the standard of education in Kula. Additionally, the Skills Development Center aims to equip the large number of unemployed young people in the area with job-ready skills, fostering their creativity and enabling them to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
All the buildings in both primary and secondary schools within the community are deteriorating. This situation has prompted numerous unfavorable remarks among residents. Given the importance of education for sustainable community development, renovating these schools is especially crucial.
The Skills Development Centre, upon completion and furnishing, aims to offer high-quality, job-ready skills to our large population of unemployed youth, as well as create avenues for self-employment.
Previously, Chief Dr. Lilly-Inia, who heads the Management Committee of the Trust, verified that the contractors have been issued milestone payments and possess both legal authorization and financial backing to commence operations right away.
“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 firm expands and broadens its operations, the local community surrounding it will likewise undergo growth and progress," Ojiji stated.
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.
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