Host communities of Halkin Exploration and Production Limited’s Atala Petroleum Mining Licence (PML) 105 in Azagbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ezetu, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have commended the company for its contributions to community development.
The communities also praised the company’s founder, promoter and Chairman, Otunba Babatunde Morakinyo, for maintaining a strong relationship with its host communities through investments in social infrastructure and other development projects.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday on behalf of the communities, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Azagbene and Ezetu Host Communities Development Trust, Chief Idani Ebibomene, said Halkin E&P had implemented several projects across the communities.
He said the initiatives included the installation of solar-powered streetlights, renovation of the community town hall and guest house, construction of public toilets and market stalls, and the development of a community stadium and school buildings.
The company also provided educational materials to students in the host communities, he added.
The Vice Chairman of the HCDT Board of Trustees, Chief Fawari Tokowei, similarly described Halkin E&P as a valued partner to the Ezetu community.
Tokowei specifically commended the company’s ongoing water development project, saying it would provide relief to residents and contribute to improved living conditions.
Since its establishment, Halkin Exploration and Production Limited has said it remains committed to the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, particularly in the areas of improved sector governance, regulatory certainty, investment promotion and enhanced benefits for host communities through structured development initiatives.
Responding to the commendation, Morakinyo assured residents that the company would continue to support projects designed to improve their livelihoods.
“With the special grace of God, Halkin will continue to add value to the country, and will always focus on projects that will improve livelihoods in the host communities,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation and support, noting that their leadership had been instrumental in helping the company identify and respond to their needs.
“We would also like to thank the communities for their cooperation. The communities’ leadership have been instrumental in assisting us to meet the communities’ needs,” Morakinyo added.