Residents of the Ogoloma and Koniama communities in Okrika LGA, Rivers State, have expressed their appreciation to the Federal Government for requiring oil companies to establish Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in all communities where they operate, as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The community members, speaking during the launch of the HCDT for the Dawes-Island communities by Petralon 54, an indigenous oil exploration and production firm, highlighted that this initiative ensures shared prosperity for all stakeholders involved in the oil and gas industry.
Petralon 54, a subsidiary of Petralon Energy, has been designated as the sole operator of the Dawes-Island Field, which encompasses Ogoloma and Koniama (Okochiri and Koniju) within the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
During the inauguration event held in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust, Chief Miebaka Tamunopekerebia, praised both the Federal Government and Petralon 54 for establishing the HCDT.
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“With the HCDT, a sustainable path to mutual growth, shared prosperity, and harmonious interaction has been created for the stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, and we are grateful to the Federal Government for the noble initiative that brought about this development,” he stated.
Chief Chris Biriowu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Koniama HCDT and representative for the Okochiri Kingdom, expressed his gratitude to the board and management of Petralon 54 for their dedication and concern for the welfare of the Okochiri and Koniju communities under the Koniama HCDT.
“I am happy to be a part of this process that will bring empowerment to our people and development to our community. I applaud the leadership of Petralon 54 for their transparency and noble intentions, and would like to assure the company of the cooperation of the people of Okochiri,” he remarked.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust Chief Miebaka Tamunopekerebia categorised Petralon 54 as an organisation that prioritises people and operates responsibly, fully dedicated to partnership and collaboration.
He stated, “The event taking place today marks a significant turning point in how host communities and exploration companies relate to one another. Through the HCDT, a sustainable pathway has been established for mutual growth, shared prosperity, and peaceful engagement among stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.”
