By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has given high marks to the Mkpat Enin chapter of the Host Community Development Trust, EMOIMEE, for its effective implementation of Seplat Energy-sponsored community development projects.
Led by CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, yesterday conducted an on-the-ground assessment tour across several project sites in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The tour, which The Reporters Dairy and civil society stakeholders, was guided by Rev. Obot Ekanem, the Non-Executive Representative of Mkpat Enin in EMOIMEE’s Management Committee.
The team visited a number of impactful projects including renovated and newly constructed classroom blocks, staff quarters, ICT and library facilities, modern toilet facilities with boreholes, and solar-powered water systems at various schools and health centres in the area.
Some of the key locations inspected included QIC Primary School, Ikot Obio Ndoho; Ndon Ibotio; Group School, Ikot Ayan/Edim; and St. John’s Primary School, Asong.
EMOIMEE, an initiative launched in July 2023 under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is Seplat Energy’s vehicle for driving grassroots development in oil-producing communities across seven LGAs, including Mkpat Enin.
Speaking after the tour, CHRAN Director Otuekong Isong applauded the transparency and accountability demonstrated by EMOIMEE’s leadership, particularly its adherence to the Public Procurement Act in contractor selection and project execution.
“As a good governance advocacy group, we felt the need to assess the work done under EMOIMEE after two years. What we have seen today across Mkpat Enin shows a commendable level of commitment to improving lives through strategic, well-executed projects,” Isong stated.
Isong noted that many of the projects are at various stages of completion, ranging from 30% to 75%, and affirmed CHRAN’s intention to continue monitoring progress to ensure full realization.
In line with the state’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) policy and the drive toward an Open Defecation Free environment by 2030, CHRAN also lauded the standard of sanitation facilities being constructed.
The human rights organisation called on other EMOIMEE branches in Eket, Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, ONNA, Esit Eket, and Mbo to open their books for similar independent assessments, urging them to uphold the same level of transparency shown in Mkpat Enin.
Rev. Obot Ekanem, who accompanied the team during the tour, expressed appreciation to CHRAN for their commitment to public accountability and affirmed that their interest will help foster a corruption-free and development-focused environment in the state.
CHRAN, a globally recognised civil society organisation, reiterated its resolve to continue advocating for transparency and good governance across all sectors, holding public and private institutions accountable to the people they serve.
