Grassroots sensitization: key to sustainable development in Ekpeye land EOG Chairman

..As Dogini hails PIA implementation, pipeline surveillance for boosting security and youth employment

ELIZABETH VINCENT, Yenagoa

The national chairman of the Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipeline Host Communities Association (EOG), comrade Chidi Dogini, has emphasized that grassroots sensitization remains fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and social development across Ekpeye land.

Comrade Dogini made this known on Sunday while addressing youths and traditional rulers at the Ruthbitess event centre, Ahoada East LGA, Rivers state, during a stakeholders engagement forum organized by the association.

“According to him, since assuming office, the leadership of EOG has remained focused on serving the people with unwavering commitment.”

He explained that the gathering was convened to celebrate the achievements recorded through oil and gas pipeline surveillance activities in Ekpeye communities, the theme of the event was “proper utilization of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) host communities trust funds and pipeline surveillance in the reduction of insecurity in Ekpeye land.”

“Comrade Dogini noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) makes provisions for host communities development trust funds, which are meant exclusively for the development of oil-producing communities.”

” He stressed that these funds must be managed transparently through community representatives on the trust boards; anything concerning the PIA is a direct call for community involvement; community leaders must decide how these funds are utilized.”

” The money belongs to the people and must be used strictly for community development, not personal enrichment, he further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the engagement of Tantita security services, pipeline infrastructure Nigeria limited, and other surveillance companies, noting that their operations have led to increased oil and gas production while providing employment opportunities for Ekpeye youths”.

“Highlighting Ekpeye’s strategic importance, Dogini stated that the clan remains one of the oil and gas producing areas with extensive infrastructure, including multiple pipeline crossings, several oil wells, liaison offices of oil companies, two major trunk lines, delivery lines, the Brass Nembe line and the trans Niger Pipeline.”

Despite these contributions, he lamented that the Ekpeye people have historically been marginalized in federal appointments within the oil and gas sector, the pipeline surveillance initiative has helped remove many of our youths from the streets by providing gainful employment.

“Research has shown that unemployment fuels crime and we are grateful that this program has significantly reduced insecurity in our communities, he added, while calling on the president to give Ekpeye greater consideration.

Speaking at the event, the zonal head of the national oil spill detection and response agency (NOSDRA), Mr. Augustine D. Bello, explained that NOSDRA is responsible for detecting and responding to oil spill incidents to ensure environmental protection, community safety, and youth participation key drivers of economic development.

“He further clarified that the PIA host communities trust fund committee was established to ensure direct engagement with host communities in areas such as community development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, environmental remediation, and security infrastructure, these funds are set aside strictly for the benefit of host communities,” Bello emphasized.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, High Chief Roland Ebeledhi, underscored the significance of the forum, applauding comrade Dogini for his leadership and commending the federal government for the implementation of pipeline surveillance through Tantita and other security infrastructure initiatives.

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