Chairman of the Ekpeye Oil and Gas - Pipelines Host Families Association (EOG) and National Coordinator of the Orashi Mandate for Tinubu (OMT) 2027, Comrade Chidi Dogini, says Ekpeye has achieved a major breakthrough in its long struggle for inclusion in Nigeria’s oil and gas benefits.
Dogini made the declaration shortly after receiving multiple Awards of Excellence from the Niger Delta Youth Movement, Niger Delta Student Union Government, Ahoada East Media Press Team, and the PDP National Youth Movement, in recognition of his contributions to youth empowerment and community development in Ekpeye and the wider Niger Delta.
According to him, the journey to get Ekpeye communities properly captured as oil-producing host communities was difficult, despite the abundance of oil and gas resources in Ekpeye land.
“It was not an easy struggle. Despite having oil and gas in Ekpeye land, our people were not benefiting sufficiently. I had to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the complaints of our communities reached the appropriate authorities,” he said.
“Now I can say it anywhere that Ekpeye has been captured as an oil-producing community,” Dogini declared.
He expressed gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, HRM Eze Sir Amb. Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, for his support, and also commended Hon. Benjamin Israel Eke, the Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate, whom he described as the only political leader who interfaces regularly with the grassroots to address their needs.
Dogini said the new status as an oil-producing ethnic nationality will have significant implications for revenue, employment and development in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
He disclosed that pipeline surveillance operations under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have already facilitated over 1,000 jobs across Ekpeye communities, with more opportunities expected.
“We are working to ensure that everything that is due to the Ekpeye people is given to them,” he stated.
The EOG chairman also linked his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to the policies and development strides of the current administration, noting that increased youth engagement and employment have improved security in the Orashi region.
According to him, youths who might previously have been involved in violence are now being productively engaged.
Dogini’s position aligns with the activities of the Orashi Mandate for Tinubu, which has been mobilizing support across Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas ahead of the 2027 general election.
Presenting the awards, the groups described Dogini as a man of dignity, excellence and commitment to the cause of youths and host communities, and prayed for continued wisdom and protection for him.
The award ceremony was attended by executives of the Orashi Youth Forum, chiefs from Ahoada communities, community leaders and other well-wishers.