The host communities of Halkin Exploration and Production Limited's Atala Petroleum Mining Licence (PML) 105 in Bayelsa State have expressed gratitude for the company's sustained investment in infrastructure and development projects. The communities, Azagbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area and Ezetu in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, have been positively impacted by Halkin E&P's interventions, which have strengthened the company's relationship with them.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Azagbene and Ezetu Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), Chief Idani Ebibomene, commended Halkin E&P's Chairman, Otunba Babatunde Morakinyo, for the company's commitment to community development. Ebibomene highlighted various projects executed by Halkin E&P, including the installation of solar streetlights, renovation of the community town hall and guest house, and construction of public toilets and market stalls.
Ebibomene also mentioned the construction of a community stadium and school buildings, as well as the provision of educational materials for students, as some of the company's notable interventions. These projects have addressed critical needs in the host communities. The community leaders emphasized the importance of sustained investment in basic infrastructure and development initiatives in oil-producing communities.
Vice Chairman of the HCDT Board of Trustees, Chief Fawari Tokowei, described Halkin E&P as a valued partner to the Ezetu community. Tokowei particularly commended the company's ongoing water development project, which, upon completion, will provide relief to residents and improve access to water in the community.
Halkin E&P stated that its community development initiatives align with the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which aims to enable host communities to benefit directly from petroleum operations through structured development programmes. The company's efforts reflect its commitment to supporting the well-being of its host communities.
Responding to the commendation, Morakinyo assured that Halkin E&P would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of people in its host communities. He expressed the company's dedication to adding value to the country and focusing on projects that enhance livelihoods in the host communities.
The communities' appreciation for Halkin E&P's development projects underscores the significance of corporate social responsibility in fostering positive relationships between oil-producing companies and their host communities. By investing in infrastructure and development initiatives, Halkin E&P has demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of its host communities.
Key points
- Halkin E&P's projects have positively impacted the host communities.
- The company's initiatives align with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
- Halkin E&P will continue to support community development initiatives.
