In a bid to foster community development, engagement and accountability, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Inyang has inaugurated Mkpat Enin Local Government Host Community Development Trust Monitoring Committee.

The ceremony took place at Mkpat Enin Local Government Council Headquarters, Mkpat Enin where Engr. Inyang pledged support for community development initiatives and partnerships with multinational oil companies in ensuring proper coordination and compliance with community development programmes.

The Chairman stated that the committee was not to witch-hunt anyone but to monitor and report the activities of Host Community Development Trust, HCDT of other international oil companies, IoCs other than Seplat Oil Producing Unlimited SEPNU (formerly ExxonMobil).

He further explained that the idea is to promote accountability, economic development and infrastructural advancement as contained in the community development plan for Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

The Council Boss pointed out that protecting the interests of the local government in the oil and gas sector should not be interpreted to politicising activities of the Trust and canvassed support for the committee to achieve its mandate.

In a goodwill message, a prominent son of Mkpat Enin, Obong Essien Ufot Ekpo described the constitution of the monitoring committee as a welcome development saying before now, Mkpat Enin lacked such a commitment to oversee oil and gas activities, which gave room for others benefit from resources due to the Local Government.

Chairman of the Committee and former House of Representatives member, Otuekong Bernard Udoh thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to serve and assured him and the people of Mkpat Enin of the Committee’s commitment to collective development of the area.

Also at the inauguration were former Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin, Lady Ekaette Usip, former Council Chairman, Hon. Mfon Eno Nkanteen and the Chairman, National Youth Council, Etubom Emem Udo Alexander who commended Engr. Emmanuel Inyang for his initiative, describing the committee members as result-oriented people with track records of performance.

The committee comprises:

Rt. Hon. Otuekong Bernard Udoh – Chairman

Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo – Secretary

Hon. Imowo Udobia – Member

Hon. Ekemini Etim – Member

Chief Inwang Inyang – Member

Media and Publicity Unit
Office of the Executive Chairman
Mkpat Enin Local Government
Akwa Ibom State
24th January, 2025