Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL has said that the company remains committed to all its Global Memorandum of Understanding with her host communities in the Niger Delta region.
CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, said the company’s GMoUs are community-driven, hence stimulates quicker community development, due to participation of community members.
Brikinn said this during the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, operators of one of its GmoUs in Delta State.
He also urged members of the host community to support the GMoU, while commending the Foundation for continuing the tradition of peaceful transition.
“The achievements of EGCDF, over the years, reinforce our belief that a process that is community-driven can stimulate quicker community development, than processes and systems designed without effective participation of community members.
“I implore you, our community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to keep an open mind and continue to support EGCDF Executives in the implementation of the GMoU so that our communities can reap more benefits.”
Brikinn, represented at the event by the CNL’s Area Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr Sam Daibo, explained that the company supports global efforts to reduce gas flaring and carbon emissions.
He also urged the host communities to work together to checkmate the activities of oil thieves and vandals who are responsible for most of the pollution in the region.
“In furtherance of this, we continue to invest in our operations to improve environmental performance while working with industry to develop new innovations and best practices.”
Also speaking, outgoing President of the Foundation, Comrade Jude Ukori, said under his leadership, EGCDF completed 18 out of 19 inherited projects and awarded 30 fresh projects, out of which 26 have been completed.
Ukori stated that the Foundation has awarded 3,471 scholarships since its inception; out of which 39 of them were for PHDs, 165 for master’s degree, while tertiary education 1,291 and 1,976 for secondary education.