Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited has inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor Community Development Trust and pledged to build a healthcare centre for the community.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday at KFT Event Centre, Warri, Delta State, marked a new phase of partnership between the oil firm and its host community in Warri South West Local Government Area.
The initiative aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), ensuring that host communities benefit directly from oil and gas production activities.
Speaking at the event, the company’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, represented by Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, reaffirmed Kalm Marine’s commitment to inclusive growth and community development.
He described the BOT as a key structure that will oversee projects and ensure that community funds are properly utilised.
Jakpa commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its guidance, noting that the agency’s support had been instrumental in the company’s smooth operations over the past two years.
He emphasised that without regulatory backing, achieving this milestone would have been difficult.
Kalm Marine also announced plans to construct a healthcare centre for the community, an initiative independent of the statutory three per cent allocation mandated by the PIA. The company pledged to complete the centre within the year as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
“For over two years, we have operated in this community without any shutdowns. This is a testament to the peaceful and cooperative nature of the Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor people,” Jakpa stated.
“We appreciate your hospitality and will continue to strengthen our partnership.”
He reiterated that the board would be responsible for inaugurating the management and advisory committees to oversee various projects.
“Our relationship with the Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor Community has been more than peaceful,” he added. “We will continue to extend a hand of friendship to our host community and fulfil our obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act.”
Jakpa urged the newly inaugurated BOT to ensure transparency and accountability in managing community funds.
“The board must ensure that the funds made available are utilised primarily for the benefit of the community,” he said.
“It will be your responsibility to select projects that deliver maximum value for money in developing your community.”
He further assured the community that Kalm Marine would continue seeking ways to improve its relationship with the people, ensuring that oil exploration activities benefit both the nation and the host community.
The event also served as a platform to challenge negative stereotypes about Niger Delta communities, with Kalm Marine affirming that its experience in Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor had been peaceful and productive.
The newly inaugurated board comprises Chairman: Mr Francis Oyimi, Secretary: Mrs Yerinla-emi Kokole-Ayetoro, and Members: Mr David Donye, Mr Presley Bebra, Hon Johnbull Aniyanghan, and Mrs Benedicta Tubolayefa Ziboke.
Community leaders expressed optimism about development prospects under the PIA and commended Kalm Marine for its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of Kalm Marine, including Chief Operating Officer Engr Eddy Pondi, Chief Technical Officer Mr Morgan Amadi, and Chief Financial Officer Mr Femi Ajayi.
NUPRC officials in attendance included Abdullahi Muhammed from the Acreage Management Division, Abuja; Warri Zonal Office Manager Okundia Kingsley; and Deputy Manager Abubakar Muhammed.
Speaking on behalf of NUPRC, Mr Okundia Kingsley thanked Kalm Marine for its efforts in maintaining peace in the host community.
“We are here to ensure that all the processes involved in establishing the BOT align with the Petroleum Industry Act. The purpose is to foster prosperity between the company and the community, provide direct socio-economic benefits, and maintain peace between the operating company and the community.
“It also aims to develop a strong framework that will sustain the ongoing development of the communities. This will not be possible without mutual understanding and cooperation. We believe this has been achieved, which is why we are able to gather here today.
“The NUPRC is available 24 hours a day to provide regulatory guidance and ensure that things are done as expected,” he pledged.
Community members present included Chief Favour Izoukumor, Chief Michael Akuobodo, and Chief Richard Evene, among others.
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