Deaconess Glory Effiong, Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has urged greater transparency and inclusion in implementing Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) processes affecting oil-bearing communities.
Effiong made the call when the Executive Committee of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, visited her at the Council Secretariat, Upenekang.
The council chairman praised EMR for its Core Oil Communities Tour, describing it as an important effort to improve understanding among communities, government, the media and other stakeholders.
She called for more focus on community development, youth engagement and opportunities for local businesses.
She also urged stakeholders to support lawful economic activities that can benefit Ibeno residents and indigenes.
Effiong said deeper engagement on oil and gas challenges, development needs and new opportunities would benefit the people of Ibeno.
She described EMR’s visit, led by State Chairman Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, as timely.
108scoop.com reports that she received the delegation alongside the Secretary of the Council, the Leader of the Legislative Council and other council officials.
The meeting allowed both sides to discuss local content, environmental protection, oil spills, youth empowerment and community development.
They also discussed host community relations, maritime activities and the emerging blue economy.
EMR Promises Balanced Reporting
Earlier, Ndifreke said the visit would give EMR firsthand knowledge of communities at the centre of Akwa Ibom’s oil and maritime economy.
He said EMR wanted to listen to residents, engage stakeholders and give oil-producing communities responsible and balanced media attention.
He described Ibeno as strategic to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors. He said its coastal location and oil-producing status offer major opportunities for sustainable development.
“We are here to listen, to understand, and to report. Ultimately, we want to contribute our quota towards promoting a more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future for Ibeno and Akwa Ibom State,” Ndifreke said.
He assured the council that EMR would uphold factual, balanced and responsible journalism. He added that the media could highlight areas needing intervention while showcasing positive developments, opportunities and possible solutions.
Also, EMR Secretary Comrade Mabel Ekanem thanked the council chairman and other officials for receiving the delegation and allowing meaningful interaction.
Ekanem restated EMR’s commitment to sustained engagement with oil-producing and maritime communities across Akwa Ibom State.
She said the association would use responsible journalism to promote informed public discussion, strengthen community participation and highlight opportunities in the energy and maritime sectors.
The Core Oil Communities Tour remains an initiative of the EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch to engage communities, document developments, identify challenges and opportunities, and promote dialogue among government, industry players, host communities and other stakeholders in the state’s energy and maritime sectors.
