Residents of host communities in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are set to benefit from a major electricity intervention involving about 42 kilometres of distribution lines and five new substations delivered by the NNPC/SEPNU Joint Venture Ibeno Host Community Development Trust.
The project, comprising about 18 kilometres of 33kV lines and 24 kilometres of Low Tension lines, includes three 300kVA and two 500kVA transformers, while some existing transformers have also been replaced with higher-capacity 500kVA units.
The intervention formed part of a wider package of projects commissioned by the Trust during its Second Annual General Meeting at Ulok Ulok Hall, Upenekang, where stakeholders reviewed its activities for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
The Trust’s Chairman, Mr Samuel Ekpenyong, said the interventions were designed to translate host-community development commitments into practical improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity, agriculture, maritime activities and enterprise development.
In education, the Trust commissioned a four-block classroom facility at Iwuo-Okpom Opolom, alongside staff quarters and modern sanitary facilities. It also provided 2,000 pupils’ desks, teachers’ furniture and 80,000 branded exercise books, while scholarships and two 60-seater buses were provided to support students.
Healthcare also received a major intervention, with two three-bedroom staff quarters constructed and equipped at Cottage Hospital, Upenekang, alongside a 6kVA solar power system. A separate 10kVA solar installation was provided to strengthen electricity supply to the hospital, which has an operating theatre, outpatient department and wards for children, men and women.
The Trust also commissioned a 300-capacity civic centre at Esuk Ikim Ekeme and expanded its livelihood interventions through training in welding and fabrication, scaffolding, fashion design and beauty artistry. Graduates received professional certificates and starter kits, while small businesses and cooperatives benefited from capital and equipment support.
Agricultural and maritime enterprises were equally targeted, with fibre boats, outboard engines, cassava-processing equipment and palm-oil processing machines distributed to cooperatives. Community members also received training and certification in boat-building and outboard-engine maintenance.
Ekpenyong acknowledged the difficult terrain, unstable soil, waterlogged locations and logistical challenges in Ibeno, which he said had complicated project delivery. Seplat Energy’s General Manager, Hadiza Garbati, said the AGM provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the Trust’s stewardship, recognise progress and determine priorities for the next phase of development.
