Oriental Energy Resources Ltd. has renewed its commitment to supporting good governance and sustainable development in its host communities in Akwa Ibom.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Mustafa Indimi, said this on Wednesday at a three-day capacity-building programme for officials of the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities Development Trust (EMHCDT) in Uyo.
Indimi, who was represented by Dr Uwem Ite, Head of Community Relations, said the company, as settlor of the Trust, remained committed to delivering sustainable development benefits to the host communities.
He said Oriental Energy had been deliberate in supporting the establishment and effective management of the Trust.
“As part of the process of establishing the Trust, we contributed to building the capacity of community stakeholders in planning, designing, developing, and implementing sustainable projects and programmes,” he said.
According to him, the company has continued to support the Board of Trustees, Management and Advisory Committees through engagements, experience-sharing, and technical expertise on sustainable community development.
He also reaffirmed Oriental Energy’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations to the Trust in line with the applicable statutory framework.
Indimi commended the three governance organs of the Trust for working together to deliver development benefits to Effiat, Ebughu, Enwang, Uda and Udesi communities.
He cited the 15-day medical outreach conducted by the Trust in May as one of the interventions that provided useful lessons for future programmes.
The managing director also highlighted the Trust’s education, skills acquisition and business grant programmes, noting that beneficiaries had participated in an orientation ceremony.
He stressed that sustainable development required effective leadership, stakeholder participation and peaceful coexistence among the communities.
“By placing emphasis on human capital and business development, the Trust is taking steps in the right direction towards sustainable development of the communities.
“Oriental Energy is committed to the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the EMHCDT,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Inam Okon, Chairman of the EMHCDT, described the training as important to strengthening the capacity of the Trust’s governance organs.
Okon urged participants to deepen their understanding of their legal and regulatory responsibilities, fiduciary obligations and the distinct roles of the various organs of the Trust.
“A well-trained Board, Management Committee, Advisory Committee and other organs is essential to the effective governance and sustainability of the Trust,” he said.
He appreciated Oriental Energy for its contribution as settlor and its continued support for the effective administration of the Trust.
themomentng reports that the programme is expected to strengthen governance and leadership capacity, promote transparent and accountable fund management, and improve the planning and delivery of development projects.
