Abuja: An NGO, Connected Development (CODE), has conducted a training program for members of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Akwa Ibom, focusing on effective project and fund management techniques. The one-day workshop aimed to provide HCDT members in Akwa Ibom with essential skills in project management and community development, in partnership with the Oxfam Foundation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, CODE’s Programmes Officer, Mr. Abdulazeez Hussani, emphasized the importance of interfacing with community dwellers to ensure the acceptance of projects. He highlighted the need for proper management and utilization of allocated funds for community development projects. Hussani also discussed equipping trust members with grievance addressing mechanisms, which are crucial for safeguarding community rights under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Hussani further elaborated on the workshop’s objective to engage various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community-based organizations, settlers, and government officials. The goal is to strengthen their capacity in project management, resource mobilization, and communication. He urged HCDT members to maintain transparency and effective communication in handling projects within their communities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Nsikak Ekong, represented by Mr. Idongesit Essen, a Director in the ministry, praised CODE for organizing the workshop. He viewed it as a critical step towards equipping host communities with essential project and resource management skills. Ekong aligned the workshop with the state government’s policies on grassroots empowerment, transparency, and sustainable community development.
Dr. Umana Umana, a participant and member of Eket HCDT, shared that the training would enhance synergy among host community development trust members. He stated that the training provided valuable skills to better serve their communities, enabling them to strategize, identify projects, communicate effectively, and implement projects transparently.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that participants at the training workshop were drawn from oil-producing communities across the state.