The Owaza community, a 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 community engagement and stability in the oil-producing area.

Dr. Okunbo was honoured with the title Oha-Mere-Dike I, meaning “The One Who Deserves Honour,” during a traditional 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, held in Owaza, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders from parts of the Niger Delta, reflecting the importance attached to the recognition and the relationship between host communities and PINL.

Although Dr. Okunbo was unavoidably absent, he was represented by Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL. Speakers at the event acknowledged Okunbo’s role in fostering cooperation between pipeline host communities and industry operators.

They also highlighted PINL’s community-focused initiatives across host communities, including empowerment programmes for youths and women, skills acquisition schemes, scholarship support for students, and employment opportunities for local residents, particularly within the Imo River Oil Field (OML 11) area.

In addition to the chieftaincy title, an award was presented to Dr. Okunbo recognising his leadership and engagement with host communities. In a reciprocal gesture, PINL presented an award to HRM Eze Nworgu in appreciation of his role in promoting community harmony and development within the kingdom.

The conferment, which took place on December 13, 2025, featured traditional rites and cultural performances. In his remarks, HRM Nworgu encouraged sustained collaboration between host communities, traditional institutions and industry stakeholders to support peace, development and productive operations in Nigeria’s oil sector.