The Bridges Project, a partnership between The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Ford Foundation, aims to effectively implement Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) and ensure all stakeholders, especially those from affected communities, have a voice. The project aims to provide the successful implementation of the PIA by fostering inclusivity and equity by operationalizing the HCDTs through Capacity-Building Workshops for NGOs and CSOs, creating Awareness for Key Stakeholders, and setting up and coordinating a Multiple stakeholder platform (MSP) to help craft an effective and efficient community development model.
Establishing a Multi-stakeholder Platform (MSP) ensures the harvesting of ideas from 30 experts and stakeholders representing communities, settlers, civil society, and government. The aim is to maximize the PIA’s benefits for communities by coordinating efforts, effectively utilizing funds, and providing guidance.
A standout example of the MSP’s success is Hon. Smart Okpara, Chairman of the SPDC Emohua LGA Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), recently elected the National Chairman of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) Forum. Okpara’s journey to national leadership started with his commitment to his community.
“I am Smart Azubike Okpara from Rumuji community in Emohua LGA, Rivers State. I was the GMOU Chairman of the Emohua Cluster Development Board from 2019 to 2022. I then became Chairman of the PIA SPDC Emohua LGA HCDT, and on April 15th, 2024, I was elected National Chairman of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) Forum,” he says.
The Bridges Project played a crucial role in his development, as did his involvement and dedication to his community. It gave him a deeper understanding of the PIA and improved his leadership skills.
“I wish I had this knowledge earlier, as it would have greatly benefited our people,” Okpara reflects.
The project’s capacity-building workshops were vital for Okpara as they were practical and served as a platform for knowledge sharing with other HCDT members. It equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to handle the complexities of the PIA and advocate effectively for his community. The support from fellow MSP members and the practical approach of the sessions were invaluable and provided hands-on learning, which helped him prepare for his national role.
As National Chairman of the HCDT Forum, Okpara’s responsibilities cover several states, including Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Lagos. There, he will work with oil-producing companies and lead efforts to ensure that host community needs are addressed and the benefits of the petroleum industry are fairly shared. This role also aligns with the project’s inclusion and stakeholder engagement goal.
“I aim to drive community development in line with the PIA’s proposals. I appreciate PIND’s efforts and hope they expand this knowledge nationwide, as it is valuable,” Okpara concludes.
Hon. Smart Okpara’s rise to national leadership highlights the Bridges Project’s success in empowering local leaders and promoting community engagement, demonstrating its impact on development in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
To learn more about the Bridges Project, visit this link: https://pindfoundation.org/bridges-project-awareness-creation-workshop-begins-5-states/.
See more highlights of the project here: https://youtu.be/qZP4VDPxUws?si=DycsDncPJPcNed-H.
Am ready