Joint venture operators, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) & Lekoil and Gas Investment Limited, have started the commissioning of milestone projects expected to transform the lives of their host communities in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Some of the completed projects include vital water projects, newly renovated school buildings, and others, signifying the companies’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.
A statement by Olusegun Ilori, Executive Director, Legal & Corporate Services Green Energy International Limited, on behalf of the JVs and made available to our correspondent in Port Harcourt has it that the delivery of the projects is part of the ongoing efforts by the companies to positively impact the host communities.
Neglect of host communities, which for several decades contributed to restiveness and disruption of oil production, was part of the problem the Petroleum Industry Act aimed to solve with the provision of 3% operations costs for operators for the development of the communities.
According to the statement, “The joint venture has successfully completed the renovation of key educational facilities under the Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
“The initiative is part of a comprehensive community development plan developed in collaboration with local stakeholders. The projects include a UBE six-classroom block, principal’s quarters, a state-of-the-art laboratory building, a generator house, and modern toilets at Ayama/Okama.”
According to Ilori, the delivery of these projects was to create a conducive learning environment for primary and secondary school students, foster academic excellence, and support the educational aspirations of the community.
He stated, “In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the joint venture is committed to providing scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students,” adding, “Through these initiatives, we empower young scholars by offering them opportunities to achieve academic success and contribute meaningfully to society.
“The structure and processes of GEIL’s social responsibility program are focused on maximising value across our host communities, including Ikuru Town, Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet. The transition from the MoU regime to the HCDT has established a legally backed framework for sustainable community development.”
“Since inception, GEIL and Lekoil have strived to create shared prosperity while building trust and promoting social development initiatives. Our core thematic areas include direct social investment programs aimed at addressing development deficits through the empowerment of women and youth, capacity building, health outreach, scholarships, community contracts, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation programs.”
The JVs further explained that in demonstration of their commitment to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), they had actively engaged with host communities to raise awareness about the PIA, conduct needs assessments, and develop the Community Development Plan.
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