The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has unveiled comprehensive development plans aimed at transforming the Finima Community. This pledge was made during the official commissioning of two landmark community projects: the Buo-Nungo Playground and the Owu-Ogbo House. The projects were executed and delivered by the BOPANE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and its joint venture partners.
Speaking at the colorful commissioning ceremony held in Finima, Bonny Kingdom, Hon. Pepple lauded the BOPANE HCDT and its corporate sponsors for their alignment with the development aspirations of the local administration. He emphasized that the execution of these projects represents a significant step forward in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which prioritizes direct social and economic benefits for host communities.
The Bonny LGA Chairman assured the people of Finima of his administration’s readiness to complement the efforts of the trust. He announced that the local government would roll out additional infrastructure and socio-economic empowerment initiatives to sustain the developmental momentum in the area. In his address, the Chairman noted that public-private partnerships remain the most viable pathway to sustainable rural development. ‘We are not just relying on corporate social responsibility; we are actively aligning our municipal budget and planning to ensure that the Finima community, as a host to critical national assets, gets its fair share of modern infrastructure,’ Pepple stated. He also called on other corporate entities operating within the Bonny Island corridor to emulate TotalEnergies’ proactive approach to community engagement.
The newly commissioned projects hold immense cultural and social value for the people of Finima. The Buo-Nungo Playground is designed to serve as a modern recreational hub, fostering youth development, social cohesion, and sporting talents within the community. On the other hand, the Owu-Ogbo House stands as a monument to cultural preservation, providing a dedicated space for the revered Owu-Ogbo cultural institution, which is central to the heritage of the Bonny Kingdom.
Representatives of TotalEnergies and the BOPANE HCDT leadership reiterated their commitment to sustainable community development, urging the residents to protect and maintain the new facilities. The event was attended by traditional rulers, youth groups, and women leaders, who all expressed optimism that the projects would usher in a new era of peace, unity, and progress in Finima.