An indigenous exploration and production company, Petralon 54, assigned with the sole operatorship of the Dawes-Island Field in Rivers State, has inaugurated Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT) for Dawes-Island communities of Ogoloma and Koniama (Okochiri and Koniju) in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The company stated that by this corporate action, Petralon 54, a subsidiary of Petralon Energy, has yet again demonstrated its commitment to regulatory compliance, responsible business practices, stakeholder’s wellbeing, and community development.
The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by major industry stakeholders, which included top government functionaries, oil industry regulators, community and women leaders, chiefs, and representatives of the traditional rulers (Amanayabos) of the host communities.
Speaking at the event, Founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, Ahonsi Unuigbe, stated that ‘instituting the HCDT is not just compliance with Section Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), but an expression of the company’s ingrained culture of identifying, addressing and aligning with the needs and aspiration of the stakeholders, especially the communities hosting the company’s operations’.
He said: ‘I am excited that we are making history today by coming together to create a beautiful future for the next generation and charting a path for sustainable partnership, empowerment and inclusive growth with the inauguration of the Development Trust for our host communities.’
Earlier, Uduakobong Equere, Executive Director, Petralon 54 said the event reflects a shared commitment to progress, equity, and sustainability.
He said: ‘It marks a new phase in our collective journey, one that places community development, transparency, and inclusiveness at the heart of extractive industry operations.
‘These Trusts belong to the people of Ogoloma and Koniama, and they are designed to ensure that the benefits of oil and gas operations are visible, measurable, and sustainable at the grassroot level’, he added.
In his acceptance speech, Chief (Dr). Chris Biriowu, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Okochiri Host Community Development Trust, and spokesperson for the Okochiri Kingdom commended the board and management of Petralon 54 Ltd for their interest in the wellbeing of the people of Okochiri and the entire community.
He said that the process will bring empowerment to the people and development to the community, assuring the company of the peoples’ cooperation.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust, Chief Miebaka Tamunopekerebia described Petralon 54 Ltd as ‘a people-centric and responsible organisation with a strong commitment to partnership and collaboration’.