By Mercy Akuba
A renowned grassroots publisher, media personality and community mobilizer, Comrade Anita Erhenhi-Ukunkpolo, has been officially inaugurated by the Edo State Chairman of HOSTCOM as Consultant and Contact Mobilization Officer of the body.
The inauguration ceremony, which held during the general meeting of HOSTCOM, had members of the organization from across the 18 local government areas of Edo State in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Chairman of HOSTCOM, Hon. Kenneth Aduware, said Erhenhi-Ukunkpolo was appointed in recognition of her contributions to grassroots development and community welfare.
He reiterated the vision of HOSTCOM as the voice of oil-producing communities, stressing the need for a well-coordinated structure to effectively channel the concerns and needs of underserved indigenes.
According to him, communities have also been charged to safeguard pipelines within their domains to prevent vandalism, which could jeopardize their access to the 3 percent allocation provided under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Also speaking, the National Organizing Secretary, Dr. Osasu Ekpen Isibor, expressed confidence in the capacity of Comrade Erhenhi-Ukunkpolo to deliver results, citing her track record and commitment to grassroots development.
“Her passion for grassroots development is very impressive, and her impact at both the state and national levels speaks volumes,” he said.
In her response, Comrade Anita Erhenhi-Ukunkpolo assured members of HOSTCOM of her readiness to champion the needs of oil-producing communities and attract developmental benefits to the grassroots.
“With your support, we can achieve maximum benefits for all the communities,” she stated.
She further pledged to justify the confidence reposed in her by ensuring that entitlements due to the communities are delivered promptly and effectively.
Erhenhi-Ukunkpolo also appreciated the leadership of HOSTCOM for finding her worthy of the appointment.
Comrade Osazee Edigin, who also spoke at the event, described her as a tested grassroots mobilizer with the experience and dedication required to succeed in the role.
“She is a round peg in a round hole and has what it takes to deliver,” he added
Engineer Easy, on her part commended the Chairman for finding a woman worthy to hold the position of a consultant to the body.
She promised to work in harmony with her to ensure members and indigenes of the various communities benefit from what he termed as their rightful entitlement.
She added that the body would continue to stand stronger and more united with the vision and objectives intact .