PIND, KEFFESO HCDT, Ink Partnership to Expand Jobs, Clean Energy in Bayelsa Host Communities

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (KEFFESO HCDT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to pursue youth employment, clean energy and stronger livelihoods across KEFFESO’s 11 host communities in Bayelsa State.

The agreement brings together KEFFESO HCDT’s community development mandate with PIND’s experience in enterprise development, energy access, peacebuilding and partnership building across the Niger Delta. Initiatives developed under the partnership will align with the Trust’s approved five-year Community Development Plan.

Speaking at the signing, PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo said: “Host communities need development investments that respond to their priorities and create opportunities that last. By combining KEFFESO’s knowledge of its communities with PIND’s technical experience and partner networks, we can develop practical approaches to employment, enterprise and energy access—and share what works with other trusts.”

KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, Board of Trustees, HRH Chief Theophilus Moses, said the partnership would help the Trust build on its existing work. “Our communities must remain at the centre of every decision we make. This agreement gives us an opportunity to connect our development plan with new expertise and partnerships, while strengthening community participation and ownership of the results.”

Since commencing operations in July 2024, KEFFESO HCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects in its host communities and begun processes for 11 more projects scheduled for 2026.

Under the MoU, the organisations will explore technical and vocational training linked to jobs and entrepreneurship, clean-energy solutions for households and enterprises, and a knowledge-sharing platform for Host Community Development Trusts. They will also document lessons and use evidence to guide future community development initiatives.

KEFFESO HCDT will lead on community priorities, engagement and ownership, while PIND will provide technical advice, programme design support and access to its partner networks. The collaboration will complement the support KEFFESO HCDT already receives from its settlor, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and its technical consultant, Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited.

KEFFESO HCDT was established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, which provides for Host Community Development Trusts to plan and deliver development initiatives in petroleum host communities.

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