The Ekpeye monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Amb. Kelvin Anugwo JP, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, has urged the Ekpeye people to embrace unity and overcome internal divisions to effectively address longstanding challenges arising from oil exploration and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA in their communities.The monarch made the call during a sensitisation programme titled “Proper Utilization of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Host Communities Trust Fund and the Contribution of Pipeline Surveillance in the Reduction of Insecurity in Ekpeye Land,” organised by Ekpeye Oil & Gas (EOG) in Ahoada town, Rivers State.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, HRH Roland Ebaledhi, Eze Anugwo expressed concern that despite decades of oil exploration in Ekpeye land, the area still suffers from poor infrastructure and severe environmental degradation. He attributed the lack of tangible development to internal disunity and competing personal interests.“We are the problem of our problems,” the monarch said, calling on Ekpeye sons and daughters to set aside differences and work collectively for the common good. He stressed that unity remains critical to maximising the benefits of the PIA Host Communities Trust Fund.T
he royal father commended Comrade Chidi Dogini, Chairman of Ekpeye Oil & Gas, alongside Tantita Security Services Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, for their roles in reducing crime and improving security through pipeline surveillance. He noted that more than 1,000 Ekpeye youths have been employed in surveillance activities across the area.Eze Anugwo further emphasised that oil-related employment opportunities should prioritise qualified indigenes, pointing out that many Ekpeye graduates remain unemployed despite the extensive oil infrastructure within their land. He pledged the support of the palace for initiatives that promote unity, local participation, and sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.
In his welcome address, Comrade Chidi Dogini, National Chairman of EOG, thanked the monarch for his consistent support and described the programme as timely. He said the sensitisation was designed to correct misconceptions about the PIA and ensure Ekpeye communities fully benefit from its provisions.Dogini highlighted Ekpeye’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that the ethnic nationality hosts eight oil mining licences, over 10 pipelines, and two delivery lines.
Despite this, he said the communities have received limited socio-economic benefits.He also praised Tantita Security Services Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for engaging local youths, stating that employment through pipeline surveillance has reduced unemployment by about 70 per cent and contributed to a decline in insecurity.Dogini acknowledged the federal government for creating an enabling environment for oil operations and renewed calls for increased Ekpeye representation in the sector, including appointments to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Augustine Bello, Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), underscored the importance of community unity in strengthening Ekpeye’s bargaining power within the oil industry. He cautioned youths against vandalising oil facilities, warning that such actions cause long-term environmental damage and undermine sustainable development.Bello advocated constructive engagement with industry stakeholders, stressing that peace and cooperation are essential for lasting development in oil-producing communities.
