Aradel Holdings Plc (formerly Niger Delta Petroleum Resources) has inaugurated the Murali Host Community Development Trust (MHCDT) on 1 August 2023, in compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Aradel has 6 host communities in its operating environment, Otari, Ogbele, Oshiugbokor, Omaraka, Obumeze and Rumuekpe, all in Rivers State. The guiding principle of Aradel Holdings is that the presence of the company in any community must result in sustainable development that positively impacts the lives of members of the community, and assists in laying a foundation for the elevation of its future generations.

While the PIA has mandated a Host Community Development Trust, the concept and model of the Host Community Development Trust was pioneered by the company when it commenced its operations in 2002, under the former name of its operating Company, NDPR.  The Trust was dissolved in August 2022 to accommodate this new Trust which is a requirement under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Gbite Falde, MD/CEO Aradel Holdings plc said “As a sustainable business, Aradel Holdings recognises that excellent co-existence with our host communities is pivotal to its vision and success. My gratitude goes to our royal fathers and community leaders for ensuring peace in their various communities and providing an enabling environment for sustainable development through the previous Trust and into the future with the Murali Trust”.

Speaking to the To the Trustees, he stated that “the Murali Trust is being established to develop our host communities, not just for the present generation, but the generations to come. Consequently, as Trustees, you are bound to act not on behalf of yourselves as beneficiaries, but on behalf of your communities. Consider yourselves as caretakers, with a duty and mandate to sustainably develop your respective communities not only as individual communities but in certain cases jointly as one family for the mutual benefit of all”.

The Hon. Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, The Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government Area, The Chairman, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, The Chairman, Emuoha Local Government Area, The former Chairman of NDPR Community Development Trust, Chief Chambers Oyibo, Other Royal Fathers, Members of the Board of Trustees and representatives of our Host Communities all attended the inauguration, which was held at the Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt.