FIC Report (Imo State) – The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), Assa, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Engineer Gideon Ikechukwu Nwaeze, has called on youths in the oil-producing communities of the area to desist from violence and embrace peace in order to create an enabling environment and atmosphere for development and investment.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his inauguration in Owerri , Imo state, Engr. Nwaeze reiterated that sustainable growth and meaningful development can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere. He noted that communities witnessing insecurity and violent conflicts often struggle to attract investors, thereby limiting opportunities for economic advancement and improved living standards.
The chairman further explained that, regardless of the level of cooperation among stakeholders, it is essential for those involved in violent activities to lay down their arms, stressing that no serious investor would be willing to establish businesses or undertake projects in an unstable environment.
Engr. Nwaeze expressed optimism that insecurity would not constitute a major obstacle to the successful implementation of the ANOH Gas project in the Assa Court Area, provided that all stakeholders, including aggrieved youths and those operating from the creeks and forests, are adequately engaged and carried along in the advancement process.
He explained that many youths involved in violence are willing to listen and embrace dialogue if approached genuinely , adding that with his previous experience working on pipeline projects in some of the communities under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), he had established strong relationships with community members and understood the importance of inclusiveness and transparency.
The board chairman assured residents that he would continue to operate an open, transparent and inclusive system that would keep host communities fully informed about ongoing projects and developmental initiatives. He maintained that regular consultations and engagements with all relevant stakeholders would help prevent misunderstandings and foster mutual trust.
Regarding his past interactions with the communities, Engr. Nwaeze said that his strategy of involving people in decision-making processes had yielded positive results, as projects were executed without significant security challenges or disputes. He expressed confidence that the same approach would ensure the success of upcoming projects under the Host Community Development Trust.
Reflecting on his responsibilities as chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr. Nwaeze stated that the role is guided by clearly defined provisions established by the company and is not intended to be exercised by one individual alone. He emphasized that the board would work together with community representatives and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that development funds are prudently managed and channelled toward projects that reflect the genuine needs of the people.
He further explained that host communities would be availed the opportunity to identify and prioritize projects they consider most beneficial, noting that the power to determine how available resources are utilized basically rests with the people themselves. His goal, he said, is to ensure that the process remains transparent, accountable, and free from any attempt by individuals or groups to divert or embezzle community funds for personal interests.
Engr. Nwaeze also disclosed that one of his primary priorities is the ongoing electrification of the Assa Court Area, adding that, as the contractor handling the project, he has already invested about fifty million naira (N50 million) into its execution and remains committed to seeing it through to completion.
He expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve the quality of life of residents and add up to the socio-economic development of the area.
He stressed his commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to promote peace, strengthen community participation, and ensure that the benefits of the ANOH Gas project grow into tangible development for the host communities.
AKUSHIE ,CHIOMA MARK HELEN
HOC., FIC Owerri
6/6/2026
