HostCom Edo Delegation Visits Orhionmwon Chairman Osagie, Agrees on Closer Partnership Ahead of April 25 Inauguration

Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, received a delegation from the Edo State chapter of the Host Communities Development Committee at the Council Secretariat in Abudu on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The meeting was confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Dennis Ugbudian. Led by HostCom State Chairman Mr. Stanley Osayande, the team invited the Chairman to the State Executive inauguration scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation for the benefit of host communities.

Present were Orhionmwon HostCom Chairman Comrade Conscience Igue, Mr. Godfrey Ogbomwan, Comrade Joseph Okoro, Mr. Atekha Sunday, Mr. Famous Iguisi, Hon. Best Uwagboi Atiti, Mr. Eghosa Ogieva, Chief Isaac Ero, Mrs. Evelyn Ogbemudia, and Mrs. Darlington Ogbeide. From the Council were Legal Adviser Barr. Benson Ogbebor, Head of Department of Information Madam Phina, and Personal Assistant to the Chairman Hon. Endurance Iduwe.

Mr. Osayande hailed Osagie’s record in office but raised concerns about oil companies’ poor responsiveness to host communities, stating that local development falls short of the areas’ contribution to national oil revenue. He pointed to herdsmen attacks on farms, the shutdown of the Egboko Modular Refinery, and pending issues at the Iguelaba PIA office as matters needing attention. He added that HostCom is working with the European Security Academy to bolster security in host areas, with delegates expected at the inauguration.

Responding, Hon. Osagie appreciated the visit and restated his administration’s commitment to HostCom and Orhionmwon people. He called for cohesion within the group and said he would attend the April 25 event, pending official schedules. He faulted the mismatch between Orhionmwon’s oil-producing profile and its infrastructure, urging oil firms to show more responsibility and ensure fair job opportunities for local youths.

Osagie highlighted ongoing projects including classrooms, market stalls, and community halls, and sought joint support for rural electrification. He described kidnapping as a major security issue and asked residents to work closely with security agencies. Chief Isaac Osemwengie Ero proposed recruiting community members into security structures and clearing dark spots used by criminals. Comrade Igue thanked the Chairman and pledged HostCom’s readiness to tackle oil and gas concerns together. Osagie also praised Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his contributions to Orhionmwon.

The engagement ended with both sides resolving to strengthen collaboration for the peace, security, and advancement of the local government, Ugbudian said.