Ugboland Host Communities Development Trust Begins Workshop For Proper Implementation Of Chevron Projects In Ilaje
PRESS RELEASE
UGBOLAND HOST COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT TRUST (UHCDT) HOLDS WORKSHOP FOR PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS IN AKURE.
In a significant development, the Ugboland Host Communities Development Trust (UHCDT) held a week-long Workshop from the 4th of August 2025 to develop a framework for projects implementation in Chevron registered Host Communities of Ilaje.
The workshop which featured presentations and discussions was geared towards bringing together the technical team members of the Management Committee (MC) as well as the Advisory Committee (AC).
The ultimate aim was to brief the Board of Trustees along with representatives of the Settlor, Chevron Nigeria Ltd as observers, on a rapid workable pathway for project implementation and to seek the approval of the Board in this respect.
The Workshop’s first Session began with the members of the MC and AC with bias/experience in the technical field drawing-up a plan of action for the implementation of projects for the year taking into consideration, the earlier input by the entire body of members of the Trust at the 2nd Quarter meeting of the Trust in the month of May, 2025.
The next session of the workshop focused on the presentations to the members of the BoT for review and inputs and deliberations towards approval of the proposals. The Chairman of the Management Committee, Dr. Mann Alli during his presentation, highlighted the prioritized infrastructural and non-infrastructural projects in phases with their proposed budgets that are currently undergoing routine processing by Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The Project Manager, Engr. Damilola Gift Oriretan presented the Project Implementation Plans for review and inputs of the Ugboland HCDT Leaders. At the end of the workshop, a Gantt Chart synthesis of action plans with timelines was put in place and approved for Phases 1 to 3 of the execution of projects. This will take-off effectively in the 4th Quarter of 2025 once NUPRC gives its nod.
Sir Benson Obayelu, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, appreciated the entire team for their dedication and commitment to the development of Ugboland Host Communities in spite of the teething challenges. He emphasized that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is dedicated to fostering sustainable prosperity within the oil and gas communities providing social and economic benefits to the populace. He also appreciated other members of the BoT for their oversight functions and the representatives of the Settlors during the Workshop. He added that with focus and determination, the Trust was poised to usher-in a new lease of life in fulfilment of the aims and objectives of the PIA.
Earlier in the month of July this year, the leadership of the UHCDT had an alignment and budget review engagement at Bon Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos with representatives from NUPRC, Chevron and New Nigeria Foundation (NNF). The engagement also took a detailed look at the Five (5) Years Communities Development Plan (CDP) of the Trust. The forum was a huge success providing insights and clarifications on the activities of the Trust.
For: Ugboland HCDT.
Communications & Publicity Committee,
Ugboland HCDT.
August 11, 2025.
