Eket PIA EMOIMEE Host Community Devt Trust Distributes 43 Mini Buses To Beneficiaries
***promises more impactful empowerment programmes, projects
The PIA EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust, HCDT Fund in Eket Local Government Area, has distributed 43 mini buses to beneficiaries from the 14 wards in Eket aimed to ease transport system within the local government area.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at EMOIMEE office in Eket, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Archbishop Helen Esuene, said the Trust is set up in many states by Federal Government to address the concerns of the oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta region.
Esuene, disclosed that the decision to procure mini buses was based on NEEDS Assessment by the Board and Management Committee in line with HCDT Plan after proper assessment of the transportation challenges confronting Eket people especially market women, who find it difficult to go back home after close of market.
She took time to explain that the mini buses are not brand new as the cost of procuring a brand new mini bus is very high and may not reach many people, urging beneficiaries to be grateful as the “tokumbo” mini buses cannot be 100% perfect.
She stated that the Trust is targeted at people at the grassroot level, urging the beneficiaries of the mini buses to make good use of them.
The former Minister of Environment, therefore advised beneficiaries not to sell the buses but use it for the purpose it was meant, warning that EMOIMEE will not take it kindly with anyone found wanting.
She further stated that the Trust is to complement government effort and operated independently without any political influence, promising more empowerment packages and projects for the host communities.
In his remarks, the Director of Projects, Dr. Linus Okon, expressed willingness of the Trust to serve the interest of the host communities, soliciting cooperation from the people as they cannot take decisions without following laid down procedures as encapsulated in the Trust document.
Meanwhile, Eket Transition Committee in collaboration with Eket EMOIMEE Trust has already mapped out designated routes and bus stops for the mini bus drivers so as to serve the people effectively.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ben Udo Idiok from Odio in Ward 7 Central, thanked the Board and Management Committee of Eket EMOIMEE Trust for finding them worthy to benefit from the mini buses. He applauded them for their wise decision to ease transportation challenges in Eket, promising to make effective use of the bus to serve the purpose it was meant.
In attendance were Eket Local Government Representative in EMOIMEE, Dr. Nsudoh Nsudoh, Member of the Advisory Committee, Barr. Gabriel Fan, some Ward Coordinators, representative of the Area Command and DPO, Eket Divisional Headquarters.
Highpoint of the ceremony was presentation of vehicle documents to the beneficiaries.
