The Ikuru Town Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) recently distributed livelihood packages worth N50 million to residents and natives of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative, part of HCDT’s commitment to community development, provided essential items such as rice, vegetable oil, tomatoes, and other condiments to approximately 17,000 beneficiaries. Board members, led by Chairman Prof. Lysias Gilbert, ensured the smooth execution of the distribution, leaving no eligible recipient behind.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Gilbert explained that the program aimed to alleviate poverty and bring joy to the community, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal of zero poverty. He described the HCDT as a product of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, with its activities guided by a community development plan derived from a needs assessment conducted by experts.
This marks the second livelihood support program by the HCDT since its inauguration in January 2023. Prof. Gilbert noted that the Trust began operations in November 2022 after receiving its initial 3% operating expenses funding from its joint venture partners, Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil Oil and Gas Company Limited. The inaugural program also focused on providing similar support to the community.
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Beyond livelihood packages, the HCDT has implemented numerous projects over the past year, including bursaries, skills acquisition programs, school renovations, and the commencement of a significant water project to supply potable water to the entire community. These initiatives, along with other infrastructure projects, have amounted to hundreds of millions of naira.
Looking ahead, Prof. Gilbert outlined plans for 2025, including the completion of the water project, which he described as a legacy initiative. Other priorities include providing power supply to stimulate small businesses, upgrading the community health center, and advocating for resident medical doctors to serve in the area. The HCDT also intends to expand its educational support by adding scholarships to its existing bursary program, aiming to sponsor bright students through their education.
While commending Green Energy and Lekoil for their consistent funding, Prof. Gilbert appealed to the partners to extend their support beyond the mandated 3% operating expenses. “As a community, we have needs that the 3% opex cannot fully address. We hope they will consider sponsoring additional projects to further uplift our community,” he said.
