Asari Toru, Rivers State — The Board of Trustees of the Krakama Host Community Development Trust has committed to tackling economic sabotage, including oil theft and pipeline vandalism, in the Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The pledge was made during the inauguration of the Krakama Host Community Trust Fund Management Committee, aimed at maximizing the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
The Trust, which operates under the Oil Mining Lease 18 managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), is focused on enhancing relations between the local community and the companies operating in the area.
The newly established committee is tasked with overseeing and managing the Trust Fund, addressing issues that might arise between the host community and the oil companies.
Ibinabo Warmate, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the board’s commitment to improving the community’s welfare and curbing illegal activities.
In a statement to newsmen following the inauguration in Port Harcourt, Warmate outlined the board’s primary goals, which include job creation for local youths and the prevention of pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Warmate asserted, “One of the major things I hope to achieve is employment for the youths and also ensure that there is no vandalism of those pipelines or oil theft in our territory.”
He reiterated the board’s assurance to address these issues through a comprehensive need assessment plan, which includes initiatives for infrastructural development, scholarships, and other essential services.
He expressed optimism about the future of the community with the establishment of the new management committee.
“With this inauguration in place today, we have achieved amongst the six boards, I think we are the first to have set up the management committee. We are going forward and with this, I am sure that the future of the community is very bright,” Warmate stated.
The management committee, which was inaugurated as part of this new initiative, is comprised of highly qualified individuals including a bursar, a seasoned legal practitioner with over 20 years of experience, and an accountant with extensive expertise.
Warmate praised the committee members for their qualifications and expressed confidence in their ability to meet the community’s expectations.
He noted, “They are men of substance. They are learned people, educated. We have a bursar in their midst. We have a legal practitioner, who has been practising for over 20 years plus. We have an accountant in their midst who has traversed almost all the areas of learning. I believe that much is expected from them by the members of the community. I know they will do well. I trust they will do well.”
The inauguration of the Krakama Host Community Trust Fund Management Committee marks a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues in the area and ensuring that the community benefits from the oil operations conducted within their territory.
The board’s pledge to end economic sabotage and improve local development reflects a proactive approach to fostering a more cooperative and prosperous relationship between the host community and the oil companies.
