B.O.T Chairman Of HCDT Replies Online Media Publication On Use Of PIA Funds In Nembe Community, Highlights Projects Embarked Upon
The general public and Nembe Community have been drawn to an online publication credited to an individual of Nembe extraction, demanding transparency over PIA funds accruing to Nembe Community. The sponsor and author of the said publication spuriously alleged that billions of naira have been received by the community, with nothing to show for it; stated that the funds had no impact on the people, while raising issues of accountability and transparency in the use of resources.
In swift reaction, Chairman, Board of Trustees of AITEO Nembe City Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), Chief (Barr.) Bright Erewari-Igbeta, narrated that the purported publication may be born out of the best of intentions, but that same is grossly misconceived and does not in any way reflect the reality and verifiable facts on the ground.
Chief Erewari-Igbeta, who is the immediate past Alternate Chairman of Nembe Chiefs Council, stated that he made this clarification for the simple reason that the gullible public should not be swayed by the said ill-conceived and baseless publication, but should be guided by the facts on the ground and the verifiable records available for public readership.
According to him, the AITEO Nembe City Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has a Board of Trustees which operates under a very strict code of corporate governance, ensuring that not a dime or kobo leaves its coffers without passing through the appropriate transparency and accountability measures set up by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He noted that all funds released by the Trust are appropriated strictly for community development, adding that every contract sum awarded and paid out by the Trust can be physically verified in the development project for which it was appropriated.
The B.O.T boss, however, asserted that he welcomes constructive criticism and productive suggestions aimed at achieving a greater Nembe, noting that the task is for all. He, however, said people are destroyed for lack of knowledge and do not see even where they have eyes.
Chief Erewari-Igbeta highlighted the various interconnected network of solid concrete roads, showcasing the investment of the Trust in infrastructure, alleviating flooding and dilapidation, and adding to the aesthetics of the ancient Nembe City. He further stated that the Trust has undertaken the extension of the landmass at Okparantaba by means of a land reclamation project, a very enviable feat with long-term benefits for every Nembe man or woman, which he said is futuristic as it provides land for future development in the community.
Chief Erewari-Igbeta opined that the Trust’s commitment and policy of investment in infrastructure extends beyond the shores of Nembe City, stating that this is in view of the fact that the satellite communities are essential to the PIA process, being the source of our commonwealth. Projects such as the construction of a steel water tank in Nembe and the completion of the Nembe Creek Landing Jetty, which has been lauded as a star project by AITEO; the completed landing jetty at Ologoama Community in Okoroma Clan; the ongoing construction of a town hall at Ewelesuo; school buildings at Oni; and other projects at Fantuo Community speak volumes of the Trust’s commitment to ensuring that funds allocated are judiciously utilised for the even development of the entire Nembe Kingdom, which he said even the blind can see.
The B.O.T Chairman said the Trust has invested in the area of human capital development through the provision of fishing grants, which have also assisted small businesses within the Nembe Kingdom and its satellite communities with grants to enhance capital for already existing businesses and boost economic development in the area. He stated that such grants are given in batches, and even more people are set to benefit from this economic boost in subsequent phases of the scheme.
Besides, with the aim of equipping and empowering the massive youth population, the Trust also initiated a Skill Acquisition Programme in conjunction with the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri, Delta State, where it has trained hundreds of Nembe youths in various fields, preparing them for gainful engagement in the petroleum industry, while some trainees were featured in non-industry skills that will make them self-reliant and employable both within and outside the Nembe Community.
Chief (Barr.) Bright Erewari-Igbeta, reaffirming that masons, carpenters and even unskilled labourers have benefited immensely from the flurry of economic activity due to massive construction works sponsored by the Trust, stated that within the past one year, Nembe has become a beehive of economic activity stimulated by construction work awarded by the Trust. He noted that this has undoubtedly boosted construction activities and created wealth for Nembe people.
He admitted that pursuant to the provisions of the PIA, the Trust has invested the statutory 20 percent of its monies with a reputable fund manager approved by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This guarantees that funds received are not all spent on today’s development, but are also reserved and available for future purposes, in the interest of Nembe Kingdom.
