EMOIMEE–EKET HCDT SETS BENCHMARK FOR TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN ELEVEN LOCATIONS.

EMOIMEE–EKET HCDT SETS BENCHMARK FOR TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN ELEVEN LOCATIONS.

By Assam Abia.

The Eket Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), operating under the auspices of the NNPC/SEPLAT JV EMOIMEE HCDT, has inaugurated development projects in eleven strategic locations across Eket Local Government Area, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to transparency, quality delivery and timely completion.

The two-day commissioning exercise, held from February 23–24, 2026, covered eight primary schools and three primary healthcare centres across the Central, Urban and Okon zones of Eket. The 2024 project package includes renovation and construction of health facilities and residential quarters, classroom rehabilitation, provision of dual desks for pupils, tables and chairs for teachers, perimeter fencing with security posts, solar-powered boreholes, solar security lighting, and modern toilet facilities for pupils.

These interventions are not merely infrastructural upgrades; they represent deliberate investments in safety, learning outcomes, healthcare access and long-term community wellbeing.

At St. Gregory’s Primary School, Ikot Ebok, the Head Teacher, Mrs Margaret C Isong could not hide her gratitude and appreciation.

“We are sincerely grateful for your decision to invest in our school and by extension in the future of our children and our nation. This initiative exemplifies true corporate social responsibility and patriotic service. By supporting education at the foundation level, EMOIMEE/MPN/NNPC JV have shown genuine love for our dear country”, Mrs Isong said.

At Government Primary School, Ikot Abia, Okon, the Head Teacher, Bassey Okposin described the projects executed in the school as a turning point and recounted previous challenges of insecurity, pupils straying beyond unfenced premises, inadequate furniture and poor learning environments.

The newly rehabilitated perimeter fences and security posts in both schools now guarantee controlled access and enhanced protection for children and staff. The provision of desks and teachers’ furniture has restored order and dignity to classrooms, creating an atmosphere more conducive to learning.
Equally impactful is the installation of solar-powered boreholes, ensuring access to clean, reliable water. These intervention strengthens hygiene practices, supports pupils’ health, and promotes overall wellbeing within the school communities.

The advantage is clear: safer schools, improved concentration, better attendance, enhanced teacher productivity, and a renewed sense of pride among pupils and educators alike.

At Mary Slessor Primary Health Centre, Effoi, and Unoama Akpabio Health Centre, Nduo Eduo, the matrons, Mrs. Ekaette Ernest Peter and Mrs. Christiana Bright, expressed profound appreciation for the interventions.
The construction of doctors’ quarters, provision of perimeter fencing, solar lighting, and water facilities have dramatically improved working conditions for healthcare personnel. Beyond convenience, these upgrades enhance security, encourage medical staff retention, enable round-the-clock service, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Significantly, the Village Head of Effoi, Etteidung Otuekong (Barr.) Victor Brownson Abia, attributed the Federal Government’s decision to upgrade the Effoi facility to a comprehensive health centre, now a branch of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, to the foundational projects executed by the Trust, particularly the perimeter fencing that repositioned the facility for institutional recognition.

The implication is far-reaching: improved maternal and child healthcare, reduced emergency response time, enhanced professional standards, and elevated status of community health institutions.

Speaking during the commissioning, the Member representing Eket in the EMOIMEE Board of Trustees, Air Cdre. Charles Uso (Rtd.), gave firm assurance that no project under the Trust would be abandoned.

“Under EMOIMEE Eket Host Community Development Trust, there is no room for uncompleted projects. All ongoing projects will be completed before March. Consultants and contractors will be held accountable”, he affirmed.

His declaration reflects the transparent governance model that has distinguished Eket HCDT among the seven local government areas under EMOIMEE. Ward coordinators, community chiefs and village council chairmen unanimously commended his pace, openness and insistence on quality assurance, noting that he is redefining the operational culture of the Trust.
The commissioning exercise also doubled as an inspection and appraisal tour, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to monitoring standards and harmonising project execution through a developing code of best practice in collaboration with consultants Teczel, Esues and Ethanor.

Air Cdre. Uso further appreciated the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem E. C. D Abia, the Executive Chairman of Eket LGA, Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, and the Federal Government for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 framework, which mandates oil companies to allocate 3% of their annual operating expenditure to host community development.

Among the seven local governments within EMOIMEE HCDT, Eket has demonstrably set the pace, not only in infrastructure but also in scholarship awards, empowerment initiatives, transportation support and broader socio-economic interventions.
The hallmark of Eket HCDT’s approach lies in its transparency: open commissioning, community participation, quality inspection, and public accountability. This governance style builds trust between management and beneficiaries, ensuring that development is not symbolic but sustainable.
With projects already delivering measurable impact and others nearing completion, Eket HCDT stands as a compelling model of how the Host Community Development Trust framework can translate policy into tangible grassroots transformation.
Indeed, the story unfolding in Eket is one of responsible stewardship, accountable leadership and visible dividends of development.