Education
Heirs Energies hands over 50 community development projects in Rivers – EnviroNews
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Heirs Energies has commissioned and handed over more than 50 community development projects and programmes across its OML 17 host communities in Rivers State, as part of efforts to improve access to essential services and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The projects were delivered through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), supported by the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture.
Established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the Trust provides a community-led framework for sustainable development across 80 host communities in Rivers State.
According to Heirs Energies, the HCDT has more than 70 projects in its portfolio, targeting critical infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic opportunities to address the needs of communities hosting oil and gas operations.
The completed projects cover electricity supply, access to clean water, school infrastructure, healthcare facilities, modern markets, roads and vocational training.
The company said the investments reflect its commitment to ensuring that oil and gas operations deliver benefits beyond production revenues by improving living conditions and creating opportunities for host communities.
In healthcare, Heirs Energies disclosed that its free medical outreach initiatives had reached more than 24,600 people, while its most recent major outreach delivered 76,954 healthcare services to 12,671 beneficiaries.
The company noted that the interventions were designed to address longstanding community needs and improve access to essential services, particularly in areas where infrastructure and healthcare remain critical development priorities.
It added that the impact of the projects extended beyond the number of facilities delivered or services provided, pointing to improved learning environments for students, better access to potable water for households and more suitable trading facilities for entrepreneurs.
The company also highlighted community participation as a key element of the development initiative, noting that the HCDT governance structure enables host communities to identify priorities, shape interventions and take ownership of completed projects.
According to Heirs Energies, the approach is intended to ensure that investments respond to local needs and remain relevant and sustainable over time.
The company linked the projects to its commitment to Africapitalism, a philosophy championed by its Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, which promotes responsible private-sector investment as a driver of economic development and social progress.
It said its objective was not merely to increase energy production but also to ensure that the value generated from its operations contributes to stronger communities, expanded economic opportunities and improved living standards.
Heirs Energies expressed appreciation to regulators, NNPC Limited, the HCDT Board of Trustees, community leaders, host communities and other stakeholders for supporting the implementation of the projects.
The company said the initiative demonstrated the potential for collaboration between energy companies and host communities to deliver sustainable development outcomes alongside oil and gas production.
