Abuja:Bayelsa: Two Niger Delta groups have entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing livelihoods across KEFFESO’s 11 host communities in Bayelsa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the groups involved are the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KEFFESO HCDT). KEFFESO represents a cluster of 11 oil-producing host communities located in the coastal regions of Bayelsa.
Anne Ihugba, Manager of Knowledge Management and Communications at PIND, stated that the partnership will focus on youth employment and clean energy. The initiative combines KEFFESO HCDT’s community development mandate with PIND’s expertise in enterprise development, energy access, peacebuilding, and partnership building throughout the Niger Delta. The initiatives will align with the Trust’s five-year Community Development Plan.
PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Daibo, emphasized the need for development investments that address community priorities and create lasting opportunities. He noted that by merging KEFFESO’s community knowledge with PIND’s technical expertise and partner networks, practical approaches to employment, enterprise, and energy access can be developed, benefiting other trusts as well.
Chief Theophilus Moses, Chairman of KEFFESO HCDT’s Board of Trustees, stated that the partnership will help the Trust build on its existing work, emphasizing community participation and ownership.
Since July 2024, KEFFESO HCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects in its host communities and plans to initiate 11 more by 2026. Under the MoU, the organizations will explore technical and vocational training linked to jobs, clean-energy solutions, and a knowledge-sharing platform. They will document lessons to guide future initiatives, with KEFFESO HCDT leading on community priorities, while PIND provides technical advice and support.
The collaboration complements existing support from FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited and technical consultant Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited. KEFFESO HCDT was established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, to plan and deliver development initiatives in petroleum host communities.