Owaza Pipeline Host Community Confers Chieftaincy Title on Okunbo, PINL Project Director
The Owaza community, a major host community of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has conferred a chieftaincy title on Dr. Osahon Okunbo, Project Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), in recognition of his contributions to peace, community development, and stability within the oil-producing region.
Dr. Okunbo was honoured with the title Oha-Mere-Dike I, meaning “The One Who Deserves Honour,” during a traditional coronation ceremony held at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze (Amb.) Obioma I. Nworgu, the Eze Oha I of Etitioha-Owaza Oil and Gas Kingdom. The event formed part of activities marking the monarch’s birthday.
The ceremony, which took place in Owaza, attracted dignitaries from across the Niger Delta, underscoring the significance of the honour and the relationship between the host communities and PINL.
Although unavoidably absent, Dr. Okunbo was represented by Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL. Speakers at the event highlighted Okunbo’s leadership in curbing pipeline vandalism and strengthening trust between industry operators and host communities.
Under his leadership, PINL has implemented extensive empowerment programmes across 215 host communities, including youth and women empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition schemes, scholarships awarded to over 1,000 students, and employment opportunities for local residents. The company’s impact in the Imo River Oil Field (OML 11) area was cited as a key reason for the conferment.
Sources close to the company noted that these interventions have also contributed to improved environmental protection and sustained peace in oil-bearing communities, helping to stabilise operations and foster long-term collaboration.
In addition to the chieftaincy title, an award was presented to Dr. Okunbo recognising him as “a leader chosen by his people.” In a reciprocal gesture, PINL also presented an award to HRM Eze Nworgu in appreciation of his role in promoting peace and development within the kingdom.
The conferment, held on December 13, 2025, featured traditional rites and cultural performances. In his address, HRM Nworgu urged other industry leaders to emulate Okunbo’s commitment to partnership, peace-building, and progress. The ceremony concluded with calls for sustained cooperation between host communities, traditional institutions, and industry stakeholders to support stability and productivity in Nigeria’s oil sector.
