Abia Host Communities Inaugurated as HOSCON Pledges Peace, Youth Empowerment and Oil Sector Development

“For the first time in more than two decades, Abia State’s oil-producing communities have a duly elected and constitutionally recognized leadership, raising fresh hopes for peace, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and sustainable development across host communities.”

” The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has inaugurated its first constitutionally recognized executive council in Abia State. National Chairman Prince Dr. Mike Emu said the new leadership will promote peace, support oil and gas development, facilitate implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act’s 3% Host Community Development Trust Fund, and advocate youth employment opportunities.”

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has formally inaugurated its first constitutionally recognized executive council in Abia State, with the organization pledging to promote peace, youth empowerment, and sustainable oil and gas development.

The Organisation also pledged to ensure that host communities benefit from the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

This event marks what stakeholders described as a significant milestone for community representation, peace-building and sustainable development.

The historic inauguration ceremony was held on June 4, 2024, at New Eastern Comfort Hotel, Umuahia, where the National Chairman of HOSCON, Prince Dr. Mike Emu, formally inaugurated the Abia State Executive Council of the organization.

Addressing members shortly after the inauguration, Prince Emu described the event as a landmark achievement in the history of host communities in Abia State.

“Today, we are witnessing a historic development. Since the establishment of our organization over two decades ago, this is the first time Abia State is having a properly elected, constitutionally recognized and officially inaugurated executive council,” he said.

Prince Emu, who also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), explained that previous representatives in the state were merely appointed without constitutional backing or formal inauguration.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Famous Reporters.com, the National chairman stated emphatically that the emergence of the new executive marks a departure from the past and provides host communities with a legitimate platform through which they can engage government and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

“We thank God for this historic development in Abia State. I congratulate the newly inaugurated executive members and commend them for their commitment to service,” he stated.

The HOSCON National Chairman further congratulated the Governor of Abia State, noting that the state government now has a credible and recognized body through which it can engage host communities on issues affecting their welfare and development.

He emphasized that HOSCON remains committed to creating an enabling environment for sustainable oil and gas exploration while encouraging collaboration between government authorities and host communities.

“The host communities are ready to promote peace, unity, stability and a conducive environment for oil and gas operations. We are prepared to work hand in hand with the government to advance development and ensure the successful implementation of the 3% Host Community Development Trust Fund provided under the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said.

Furthermore, Prince Emu also called for the prioritization of youths from host communities in pipeline surveillance contracts and related activities.

According to him, such opportunities would not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen community participation in protecting critical national assets.

“Relevant authorities should prioritize the recruitment of youths from host communities in pipeline surveillance and related activities. This will create jobs and improve the protection of national infrastructure,” he added.

He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration, mutual respect and strict adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Agomuo Promises Inclusive Leadership, Youth Empowerment

Also, addressing newsmen, the newly inaugurated Chairman of HOSCON in Abia State, Hon. Philip .O. Agomuo, described the inauguration as a dream come true for members of the organization.

Agomuo expressed gratitude to God for making the inauguration successful.

“Today is a day of great joy and fulfillment for us. It is a day we have long anticipated and prayed for. We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to be officially inaugurated as members of HOSCON in Abia State,” he said.

According to him, the inauguration would position Abia host communities to actively participate in national programmes and opportunities available to oil-producing communities across the country.

“This inauguration will enable us to participate fully alongside our counterparts in other oil-producing states and benefit from opportunities and programs available to host communities nationwide,” Agomuo stated.

Responding to questions on his leadership agenda, Agomuo pledged to operate an inclusive administration built on consultation, transparency and collective decision-making.

“Leadership is about service. I see myself as a chief servant of the people and not someone who should lord authority over others. Everything we do will be based on consultation and collective decisions. This administration will not be a one-man show,” he assured.

The HOSCON chairman identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting host communities and pledged to pursue initiatives aimed at empowering young people through skills acquisition and employment opportunities.

According to him, unemployment often fuels social unrest, insecurity, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities.

“Our goal is to ensure that young people in host communities are gainfully engaged and empowered. By doing so, we can promote peace, stability and sustainable development within our communities,” he said.

A New Chapter for Abia Host Communities
The inauguration of the Abia State Executive Council is widely regarded as the beginning of a new chapter for oil-producing communities in the state. Stakeholders believe the development will strengthen engagement with government institutions, improve access to benefits under the Petroleum Industry Act, and create opportunities for community-driven development.

Meanwhile, with commitments to peace, youth empowerment, economic inclusion and sustainable development already outlined by the new leadership, expectations remain high that the newly inaugurated executive will translate its promises into tangible benefits for host communities across Abia State.