To ensure proper and effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Uherevie Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) for OML 30, Comrade Pender Omoakpor Agwarive, has officially inaugurated the Trust Management Committee.
The committee consists of a 5-member Executive Committee and 90-member Non-Executive Committee, which are nominated by each of the 90 communities within the Uherevie HCDT of OML30.
The five-member Uherevie HCDT Executive Management Committee includes Prof. Kelly Egedegbe as Accountant, Oghenerukevwe Okoro in Finance, Barr. Oghenerume Oke overseeing Legal affairs, Engr. Peace Emoefe handling Projects, and Rev. (Dr.) Richard Erhuerore serving as Secretary.
At the inauguration of the management committee held on Wednesday August 21st, 2024, at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall in Ughelli, Delta State, Comrade Agwarive urged the committee members to be ambassadors of their communities on the board as well as work diligently to attract development to the host areas.
“In my capacity as chairman of board of trustees (BOT), and in accordance with sections 246 and 247 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), I hereby set you up today as the Management Committee representing the 90 communities in the PIA Uherevie Host Community Development Trust (HCDT),” Agwarive declared during the ceremony.
In his remark, Mr. Oghenero Omowhara representing the Manager, Community Relations at NEPL Ltd, commended the Trust Board chairman for the progress so far and congratulated the newly inaugurated members of both the Executive and Advisory Committees. He highlighted the significance of the Management Committee’s inauguration as a major step forward in fostering growth and development within the host communities.
“Setlor deeply appreciates the unwavering support of the BOT, particularly the Chairman and his team members. We look forward to continued collaboration to enhance the development of our host communities and to ensure seamless operations in these assets. We pray that the benefits of these assets to our host communities will continue to flow and that everyone will benefit from them, Oghenero Omowhara stated.
He further advised the committee members to collaborate effectively with the BOT to maintain peace and progress within the Trust, emphasizing that their roles are not for personal gain but for the benefit of their communities. “This PIA has brought hope for the development of our communities and has placed it in your hands. Let’s not be self-centered; let’s work together to ensure that our communities’ benefit,” he added.
On his part, Prince Jerry Oharisi Ph.D, who represented the management of Heritage Energy Company, the operator of OML30, urges the members of the committee to prioritise the interest of oil-bearing communities above personal interest.
Dr. Obarisi, who also the crown prince of Ughelli Kingdom, reminded the committee that the goal of the PIA Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) was to bring sustainable development to the host communities, boost economic activities, and improve the general well-being of the communities beyond oil exploration.
He urged the Executive and Advisory Committees to work harmoniously for the overall good of their people over individual gains.
The Secretary of PIA Uherevie Host Communities Development Trust Management Committee, Rev. (Dr.) Richard Erhiurhore in fulfilment of the Act also inaugurated 90-member Advisory Committee, representing the 90 communities set up by the newly Management Committee.
The inauguration marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable development and prosperity for the Uherevie communities under OML30.
