EHCDT RECORDS MAJOR IMPACT IN EKET, ESIT-EKET WITH ₦117M IN SOCIAL, EDUCATION, AND YOUTH INTERVENTIONS.

EHCDT RECORDS MAJOR IMPACT IN EKET, ESIT-EKET WITH ₦117M IN SOCIAL, EDUCATION, AND YOUTH INTERVENTIONS.

–unveils 2026 plans for infrastructure upgrade, scholarships, and youth empowerment.

Written by: Daniel David Edon

The Ekid Host Communities Development Trust, EHCDT, says it is deepening inclusiveness in decision-making and driving all-around development across its host communities through targeted social and economic programmes.

In its latest report, the Trust disclosed that over ₦117 million was deployed in 2024/2025 to support vulnerable persons, students, entrepreneurs, and youths in Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.

Under its Social Protection Programme, EHCDT reached 105 beneficiaries including persons with disabilities, indigent pregnant women, elderly persons aged 65 and above, and malnourished children aged 0–5 years.

Beneficiaries received free medical examinations, prescribed medications, assistive devices, antenatal and nutritional support packages, as well as direct cash assistance.

The Trust also prioritized education with 225 post-secondary scholarships valued at ₦56 million and 45 postgraduate scholarships worth ₦22.5 million.

The breakdown shows Eket received 98 post-secondary and 2 postgraduate awards, while Esit Eket got 125 post-secondary and 43 postgraduate scholarships for indigenes studying in government-approved tertiary institutions.

For economic empowerment, EHCDT disbursed a ₦25,050,000 Business Grant to 167 beneficiaries – 51 from Eket and 116 from Esit Eket.

The Trust also completed training for 80 youths under its Skill Acquisition Programme, SAP. Each graduate received starter packs in their trade area and a ₦200,000 start-up grant to begin their vocation. In addition, ₦13,953,000 was paid as transport allowance to 75 of the 80 trainees for monitoring purposes during the reporting period.

Looking ahead, EHCDT said it will scale up projects in 2026 with stronger monitoring and deeper stakeholder partnerships to measure impact and review strategies for optimal results.

Key projects slated for 2026 include:

1. Upgrade of electricity substations at Ebok Asak and Ebe Ekpi Communities, Esit Eket LGA

2. Provision and installation of solar street lights in Uquo Communities, Esit Eket LGA.

3. Construction of a 3-classroom block, 4-room toilet facility, septic tank with soakaway, elevated water tank stand, and borehole at Primary School, Mkpok, Eket LGA.

4. Rehabilitation of the Assembly Hall and construction of a 308-meter block wall perimeter fence at Secondary School Edo, Esit Eket LGA.

5. Continued post-secondary and postgraduate scholarships, small business grants, livelihood support for the elderly and vulnerable, and another cohort of 80 youths for the Skill Acquisition Programme.

The Board expressed appreciation to the Settlors, regulators, traditional institutions, and community leaders for their support in advancing development in the host communities.