The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KEFFESO HCDT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to drive youth employment, clean energy, and stronger livelihoods across KEFFESO's 11 host communities in Bayelsa State. This partnership combines KEFFESO HCDT's community development mandate with PIND's experience in enterprise development, energy access, peacebuilding, and partnership building across the Niger Delta.
The agreement aligns with KEFFESO HCDT's approved five-year Community Development Plan and aims to link community development priorities with technical expertise. Initiatives developed under the partnership will create lessons for other oil-producing communities. PIND's Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, emphasized the need for development investments that respond to host communities' priorities and create lasting opportunities.
KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, Board of Trustees, HRH Chief Theophilus Moses, highlighted the importance of community participation and ownership in development decisions. The partnership will enable the Trust to build on its existing work, connecting its development plan with new expertise and partnerships. Since its inception in July 2024, KEFFESO HCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects and initiated processes for 11 more projects scheduled for 2026.
Under the MoU, PIND and KEFFESO HCDT will explore technical and vocational training linked to jobs and entrepreneurship, clean-energy solutions for households and enterprises, and a knowledge-sharing platform for Host Community Development Trusts. The organizations will also document lessons and use evidence to guide future community development initiatives. KEFFESO HCDT will lead on community priorities, engagement, and ownership, while PIND will provide technical advice and program design support.
The collaboration will complement the support KEFFESO HCDT receives from its settlor, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and its technical consultant, Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited. KEFFESO HCDT was established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, to plan and deliver development initiatives in petroleum host communities.
The partnership is expected to enhance community development initiatives in Bayelsa State's host communities. By combining technical expertise with community priorities, the organizations aim to create practical approaches to employment, enterprise, and energy access. The partnership will also facilitate knowledge sharing and lesson learning for other Host Community Development Trusts.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in the development of Bayelsa State's host communities. As the partnership progresses, it is expected to yield positive outcomes in youth employment, clean energy, and livelihoods. The organizations will work together to ensure that the initiatives developed under the partnership are sustainable and responsive to the needs of the host communities.
Key points
- PIND and KEFFESO HCDT have signed a 3-year MoU to drive youth employment, clean energy, and stronger livelihoods in Bayelsa State's 11 host communities.
- The partnership aims to link community development priorities with technical expertise and create lessons for other oil-producing communities.
- Initiatives developed under the partnership will align with KEFFESO HCDT's approved five-year Community Development Plan.
