Firm approves 646 scholarships for 215 host communities
No fewer than 646 youths from Host Communities (HOSCOMs) to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) will benefit from a scholarship scheme instituted by the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for their landlords.
This gesture is part of the security firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for its host communities.
A total number of 215 host communities are expected to benefit from the scheme. Apart from the scholarship, there are other incentives approved for the HOSCOMs for their contributions to the Nation’s economy.
The announcement was made by PINL’s Community Relations Executive, Seriaki Alamieseigha, during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday.
The meeting was meant for host communities in Rivers, Abia and Imo States. It was aimed at reviewing the operations of the company on TNP.
Speaking at the meeting, Alamieseigha noted that the ongoing strategic partnership was aimed at strengthening community relations, security of the local people and empowering of women.
He said, “I bring good news from PINL management has approved a scholarship for three persons per community bringing the total to 645 persons across board and it is to take effect immediately.
“Also, management has partnered with the Office of the National Security Adviser, (ONSA), in building a facility to address challenges with regards to investigations and prosecution across the Trans Niger Pipeline. Also there is a proposal for a skill acquisition designed for women underway.”
He noted that the company’s collaboration with the host communities have led to significant boost in oil production and called for increased synergy and lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for motivating them to achieve so much.
“I thank you for this collaborative effort to boost oil production in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With your collaboration and with your effort, we’ve been able to see economic growth in the nation,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, warned against illegal bunkering activities emphasising that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted and imprisoned.
Amachree, who was represented by Young Harry Amakiri, noted that the Office of the National Security Council has already prosecuted over 100 individuals involved in these criminal activities.
He appealed to stakeholders and community leaders to talk their children and youths to desist from pipeline vandalism.
“As I’m talking to you, more than 100 persons have been prosecuted, who you are doesn’t matter, even though you are a general in the army, you are a military personnel, whatever you are, if you are found guilty, you are going in for it,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri commended PINL for organising regular engagement with host communities as he discouraged the youths from engaging in illegal bunkering.
The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant on Host Communities, Julius Eddie, acknowledged that the efforts of PINL has boosted oil production in the country and also earned the ministry several high profile recognitions.
“I want to encourage you, what you are doing for the host communities and for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a win to all of us.
“I want to encourage and challenge you to continue to discourage the youths from tampering with the pipelines, because in all, we are the victims because the pollution affects the environment and as farmers and fishermen that we are, we are most affected,” he stated.
In the same vein, the Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Akponine Omojevwe, cautioned sub-contractors against connivance and employment of personnel without proper background checks and due diligence.
He called for proper synergy between the subcontractors and PINL to increase the performance rating of the company and to maintain zero-tolerance on the TNP.
“The problem we are still having here is connivance, that’s why I want to talk to the PINL subcontractors to be careful. For PINL ratings to be going up, you and their subcontractors need to be carrying out your jobs effectively and as your employment is being made from the communities, please before you employ, carry out due diligence because most times you will suffer for it,” he said.
