Oil-rich Benikrukru Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, convened an Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 2023. The event marked the first general meeting since the inauguration of the community executive council. At this gathering, Comrade Joel Tonjoh, the Chairman of Benikrukru Community, presented a comprehensive account of the council’s first-year stewardship.
Meeting Highlights:
The Chairman commenced the meeting by delivering a comprehensive progress report. This report unveiled the achievements and initiatives undertaken by the executive council since their inauguration on November 25, 2022. Key accomplishments and initiatives presented included:
Zion Walkway Construction: The commencement of the construction of the Zion Walkway.
Oboro Primary School Library: Completion of the library, fully stocked with books.
Oboro Nursery School: Significant progress, with only septic tank construction pending.
Benikrukru Community Townhall: Ongoing rehabilitation with plans for air conditioner installation.
Benikrukru Glo Network Mask: Successful installation and inauguration on August 8, 2023.
Electric Poles and Streetlights: Installation on all tarred roads by Chief Jeffrey Ojogun and Chief Jimmy Ogida.
Clearing Initiatives: Extensive clearing efforts have made areas like Biagbene, Opubinidie, and Tonlaghagbene communities habitable.
Particularly noteworthy was the generous contribution by Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the current Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He donated 100 desks to Oboro Primary School, significantly enhancing the learning environment for pupils.
The progress report also highlighted the invaluable contribution of former DESOPADEC Commissioner, Dr. Paul Bebenimibor, who provided ten clearing machines to support community projects.
PIA Report
A crucial element of the meeting was the presentation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Report. Chief Joseph Wuruyai, Chairman of the Chevron PIA Board of Trustees (BoT) Committee, elucidated the separation of the Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) into two distinct entities. Each now independently governs their respective areas under the PIA. The report stressed that the next pivotal step was the signing of the PIA constitution by the National Union of Communities in Oil Producing Areas (NUCIA).
Composition/Announcement of Standing Committees:
An essential facet of the meeting was the formal inauguration of several community committees:
Revenue Committee: Boarn. Senior Imeleye was designated as the Chairman, with Mr. John Tiwei as Secretary, Elder Turu as Treasurer, Mr. Kingsley Emomotimiwei as PRO, and two other members are responsible for collecting internal revenue from various sources.
Education Committee: This committee, led by Engr. Columbus Ajoh as Chairman, Mr. Marvin as Secretary, and Mrs. Evelyn Kirighodogha as a committee member, is responsible for monitoring teachers deployed to the community. Additionally, they are tasked with preparing their work schedules to prevent unnecessary travel.
Environmental/Sanitation Committee: Chaired by Mr. Jacob Ebiebi, this committee includes Mr. Christian Okito, Mr. Godwin Okoko, Mr. Festus Ojogun, and Mr. Bright. Their mission is to oversee environmental cleanliness and sanitation efforts within the community.
Women’s Executive: The Women’s Executive, announced by Chief Mrs. Ebike Gbolos, the Miekirimo-ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, saw the dissolution of the previous executive, led by Mrs. Elizabeth Agagho from August 28, 2019, to date. The new women’s executive consists of Mrs. Victoria Koko as Chairlady, Mrs. Doreen Ogida as Vice Chairlady, Mrs. Esther Iwegha as Secretary, Mrs. Flora Fugbara as PRO, Mrs. Evelyn David as Treasurer, Mrs. Beke-ere A. as Assistant Secretary, and Mrs. Evelyn Okerenkoko as a committee member.
The Chairman, Comrade Tonjoh expressed his excitement for the community’s positive response during his first year in office, and the meeting concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Roland Ojogun. The meeting highlighted the community’s commitment to progress and development.
By Chairman Ojumiri & Joel Fiafiawei
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