Two Niger Delta groups have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to to enhance stronger livelihoods across KEFFESO’s 11 host communities in Bayelsa.
The groups are Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KEFFESO HCDT).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that KEFFESO is an acronym representing a specific cluster of 11 oil-producing host communities located in the coastal regions of Bayelsa.
Manager, Knowledge Management and Communications, PIND, Anne Ihugba, said on Thursday in Abuja said the partnership was also to pursue youth employment and clean energy.
”The agreement brings together KEFFESO HCDT’s community development mandate with PIND’s experience in enterprise development, energy access, peacebuilding and partnership building across the Niger Delta.
”Initiatives developed under the partnership will align with the Trust’s approved five-year Community Development Plan.”
Speaking at the signing, PIND’s Executive Director, Mr Sam Daibo, said the host communities needed development investments that responded to their priorities and created lasting opportunities.
”By combining KEFFESO’s knowledge of its communities with PIND’s technical experience and partner networks, we can develop practical approaches to employment, enterprise and energy access, and share what works with other trusts.”
KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Theophilus Moses, said the partnership would help the Trust build on its existing work.
“Our communities must remain at the centre of every decision we make.
”This agreement gives us an opportunity to connect our development plan with new expertise and partnerships, while strengthening community participation and ownership of the results.”
Since commencing operations in July 2024, KEFFESO HCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects in its host communities and begun processes for 11 more projects scheduled for 2026.
Under the MoU, the organisations will explore technical and vocational training linked to jobs and entrepreneurship, clean-energy solutions for households and enterprises, and a knowledge-sharing platform for host community development rusts.
They will also document lessons and use evidence to guide future community development initiatives.
KEFFESO HCDT will lead on community priorities, engagement and ownership, while PIND will provide technical advice, programme design support and access to its partner networks.
The collaboration will complement the support KEFFESO HCDT already receives from its settlor, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and its technical consultant, Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited.
KEFFESO HCDT was established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, which provides for host community development trusts to plan and deliver development initiatives in petroleum host communities.
NAN
