OML26 CDB, NPDC/FHN Joint Ventures Empowers Host Communities .

By Henry Adagbra 

Oil Mining Lease 26 CDB,NPDC/FHN joint ventures recently organized 2nd edition of youths and women empowerment /capacity building programme as directed by a Global Memorandum of Understanding between the host communities where OML 26 facilities are situated. 

In his welcome addressed at NUT hall, Ozoro, Isoko North, local government area, Delta State, the chairman of OML 26 Community Development Board (CDB) Prince Johnson Akpomalue said that,the programme is the continuation of empowerment programme as directed by a Global Memorandum of Understanding between NPDC/FHN joint venture and the host communities where OML 26 facilities is situate in Delta State and Delta State government, the OML 26 CDB in conjunction with the four clusters community relation committees for the benefit of the youths and women in the host communities. 

Prince Akpomalue further said that, upon realising that not every of their targeted persons of those who have acquired various skills benefitted  in previous edition, resolved to continue from where they stopped, noting that a total number of 309 persons have been ear-marked to be provided starter packs or grants to enable them kick start or continue their business/education.

Prince Akpomalue also disclose that,229 beneficiaries will go home with starter packs,80 students will be given grants to continue their studies in various educational institution in Nigeria. 

The OML 26 CDB chairman also pointed out that,this is the second phase of the Capacity Building Programme of the Board, saying that the third phase will kick off in no distant time.Therefore,those who are not beneficiaries in this second phase will surely benefit in the future. 

Also speaking at the Youths and Women Capacity Building Empowerment event Mr. Okpowo Blessyn, manager community affairs AMT stated that the idea of this empowerment is for the youths and women to create wealth in the society, stressing that, the event is being organized from the 2015 and 2016 grants, noting that, the fund for 2017 and 2018 are yet to be release to the CDB of OML 26.But he however assured that they are in the process of releasing the funds to the CDB before the end of the year. 

Mr. Okpowo also lauded the patience of the OML 26 CDB, saying that if you look at the GMOU there things yet to be fulfilled by the AMT, but the CDB opted for dialogue and mediation because of this role they have played most of the things are been sorted out. 

He further said that,all those who were enjoying scholarship under NPDC before AMT took over we now have full lists of the beneficiaries and we have their account details,saying that the schedule to pay the beneficiaries is already prepared. 

Mr. Okpowo also disclose that that AMT made a promise during the last empowerment programme on how they will provide electricity to some of the communities in clusters 1,noting that the statement he made on that day was not political but was a statement of intent and a policy AMT is committed to. 

He further reiterate that  there is need for him to give a vivid explanation on the reasons why the electricity project has taken off.The only thing we need to do is to make our gas available, then,the company that will execute the job will provide turbine, we will then go to BEDC and sign M

OU  to use their line that is already in Ozoro  Ovrode, Ellu and Ofagbe to distribute electricity  while the communities will appoint their own distribution board that will manage distributing and collection of funds.

He also stated that the project need  approval and also to be bidded for and more than two companies music be involve in the bidding process.The bidding process is what is delaying the project that by the grace of God the project will commence soon. 

 

He also disclose that the Building of the technology park has been approved, noting that the technology building is where companies will cite their industries that will encourage industrilization in Isoko nation. 

He however confirmed that the project will be cited between Ozoro and Ellu  that they are in the process of acquiring the land. 

He therefore lauded the efforts of the OML 26 CDB chairman and their members  for their focus, sacrifice and commitment to the course of the Host Communities. 

Speaking to newsmen Bright Egede recipient of the empowerment programme from Ovrode community  said that "I am happy to received this equipment to do my ALUMACO work.It will enable me to work hard and attract more customers,noting that before now if I am given a job I will travel all the way to Ozoro to put the job together and take them back to Ovrode but now I can start work without going to Ozoro. 

Also speaking Paul Emikoro said that he thanked the members of the CDB for the empowerment given to him, saying that he was not expecting anything that he will use what has been giving to him to advance his financial status.