BENIN CITY: Mr. Kenneth Aduwaye has been inaugurated as Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), pledging to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership while serving as a bridge between Benin and Ijaw communities in the state’s oil-bearing areas.
The inauguration, which was held at the HOSTCOM secretariat in Benin City at the weekend, also witnessed the swearing-in of other members of the executive council, including the Secretary, Prince Odion Abumwere.
The oath of office was administered by Barrister Osayi Ehiorobo, while the process was supervised by Dr. Osasu Isibor.
Mr. Aduwaye, an Ijaw indigene of Gelegele community in Ovia North East Local Government Area, emerged from the election conducted on December 13, 2025, succeeding Comrade Andrew Oyegue.
He is to pilot the affairs of the organisation for the next four years.
In his inaugural address, the new chairman appealed to the Benin people and other stakeholders for support, stressing his determination to address the challenges confronting oil-bearing communities across Edo State.
Making reference to lingering disagreements between Benin and Ijaw communities over land ownership in some riverine oil-rich areas, Aduwaye urged both sides to embrace unity, peace and cooperation in the interest of development.
“It is not an error that God brought the Ijaws and the Benins together. It is a divine arrangement, and we are one,” he said. “We will work together to move Edo State forward. Edo State belongs to all of us.
“HOSTCOM is not a one-man show. Everyone will be carried along. It is a collective responsibility. I need the support of every member of the executive. I love Edo State and Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the National Organizing Secretary of HOSTCOM, Dr. Osasu Isibor, said there was no room for ethnic rivalry within the organisation, describing Aduwaye as a bridge builder with the experience and capacity to lead.
Dr. Isibor defended the emergence of the new chairman, noting that he was elected through a free and fair process on December 13.
He explained that the leadership outcome was aimed at ensuring balance and equity, pointing out that representatives of other oil-bearing communities in the state had previously led the body.
“The foundation has been laid. Mr. Aduwaye is a bridge between the Benins and the Ijaws. He has been with HOSTCOM since 2003 and has what it takes to succeed,” he said. “In HOSTCOM, there is no room for ethnicity.”
Also speaking, the Secretary of the new executive, Prince Odion Abumwere, commended stakeholders, including security agencies, for ensuring a peaceful and successful inauguration.
He described the event as the beginning of a new chapter for HOSTCOM, which he said has consistently championed the interests of oil-bearing communities and brought their concerns to the fore.
Abumwere assured that the executive would work harmoniously with the chairman to deliver on the mandate of the organisation and advance the welfare of host communities in Edo State.
