No fewer than 250 communities in the Niger Delta region will benefit from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme as host communities of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
PINL is a surveillance contractor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) that transverses communities in Abia, Bayelsa, Imo and Rivers States.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the firm in Port Harcourt on Monday, chief executive officer of Learn & Leadwise Resources Limited, consultants to the programme, Ms. Deborah Okunbo, said already 35 communities in Eleme, Gokana, Bonny and Tai local government areas of Rivers State have already benefited from the CSR, which began on Monday.
Okunbo stated that apart from each of the Niger Delta communities receiving no fewer than 20 bags of rice and beans, as well as biscuits for children, flood-affected communities in the region will also receive relief materials.
She further stated that the programme, which is part of a bouquet of events planned for the host communities in this round of the CSR initiatives, had been an integral operations programme of the company since commencement of operations about two years ago.
The consultant said: “This programme, which is part of a bouquet of events planned for the Communities in this round of the CSR initiatives which has been an integral operations programme of the company since commencement of operations about two years ago.
“We are therefore particularly grateful to God for the opportunity given to us and for keeping us alive to witness this day and to be part of this gesture by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL).
“Since it’s commencement of operations as the surveillance contractor of the Trans Niger Pipeline about 3 years ago, PINL has adopted a strategy of encouraging pipeline communities to own the pipelines running through their communities and this ensures their safety.
“Thus right from the outset they engage in the employment of youths of host communities at the different levels of the surveillance job thus creating thousands of employment for youths in the various host communities.
“In addition the company has maintained a constant interaction with paramount rulers, chiefs, community development committee (CDC ) chairmen, youths and women leaders to strategise with them on the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and illegal refining (Kpo fire).
“Recently the company embarked on the biometrics capturing of these community leaders to update the data base and ensure that no community leaders is left behind in its community relations and empowerment programme.
“Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL) as a responsible and caring company always comes handy at times of disasters to provide succour and comfort to affected host communities.”