Host communities of Halkin Exploration and Production Limited’s Atala Petroleum Mining Licence (PML) 105 in Azagbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ezetu, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have commended the company for its investments in community development.

The communities praised the founder, promoter and Chairman of Halkin E&P, Otunba Babatunde Morakinyo, for sustaining the company’s relationship with its host communities through investments in social infrastructure and other development initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Azagbene and Ezetu Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), Chief Idani Ebibomene, said Halkin E&P had executed several projects across the communities.

He listed the projects to include the installation of solar streetlights, renovation of the community town hall and guest house, construction of public toilets, market stalls, a community stadium and school buildings, as well as the provision of educational materials for students.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the HCDT Board of Trustees, Chief Fawari Tokowei, described Halkin E&P as a valued partner to the Ezetu community.

Tokowei commended the company for its ongoing water development project, saying it would provide relief to residents and improve their living conditions.

Since its inception, Halkin Exploration and Production Limited has said it is committed to the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, particularly improved sector governance, regulatory certainty, investment promotion and greater benefits for host communities through structured development initiatives.

Responding to the commendation, Morakinyo said the company would continue to support initiatives that improve the livelihoods of residents in its host communities.

“With the special grace of God, Halkin will continue to add value to the country, and will always focus on projects that will improve livelihoods in the host communities,” he said.