By Our Correspondent

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and the Agbami Parties said they are committed to saving lives on roads in the oil-rich Delta State.

The community Engagement Co-ordinator of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Charles Egbuedo, handing over the keys of the Police Motor Bikes to Chief Clement Ofuani.

Speaking recently in Asaba, the Delta State capital during the Arrive Alive Road Safety Programme, the Director, Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, Mr Jeffrey Ewing, said the Agbami Parties have continued to demonstrate commitment to conducting their business in Nigeria in a socially-responsible manner by adding value to the lives of the people and contributing positively to the socio-economic development of the country.

According to him; “That explains why we are partnering with the Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative (AARSI), the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to deploy this programme aimed at strengthening the safety measures being put in place within the state, especially along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.”

“Today, we are donating three Police Motor Bikes to the FRSC, Delta State Command in support of the road safety initiative in the State. The Agbami Co-ventures also plan to make similar donation to the FRSC in Lagos State under this programme that will gulp over #40 Million,” he said.

Safety, he held out, is a core value among the Co-ventures, adding that the road safety programme being deployed was part of the robust safety programmes sponsored by the Agbami Co-ventures.

Mr. Ewing who was represented Mr. Charles Egbuedo Community Engagement Co-ordinator,  said that; “Nigeria is one of three African countries participating in the Arrive Alive programme pioneered by Chevron. Through the partnership, we have deployed regular training programmes for drivers, provided helmets for motorcycle riders and organized enlightenment programmes for truck drivers and members of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers. We have also organized child road safety campaigns in some States of the Federation with a view to help the children imbibe road safety culture early in life.”

“The Agbami  Field is located approximately 70 miles (113 kilometres) offshore Nigeria, and in line with the Deep Offshore Community Affairs Group (DOCAG) engagement principles, we view the entire country as the Agbami Community. All over the country, the Agbami Partners have been adding value to the lives of Nigerians through various projects and programmes under the thematic focus areas of Health, Education and Economic empowerment,” he said.

The Sector Commander, FRSC, Delta State, Corps Commander Rindom Kumven lauded Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Agbami Parties for the gesture.

He said that; “I wish to say that this project is an added responsibility to Delta State sector command to carry and ensure that it is executed perfectly in order to ensure that the objective of reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities along the Airport Road is achieved.”

The Director General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Clement  T Ofuani in his address, also showered praises on the donors for the move to save lives on Delta State roads.

“We are indeed very grateful to Arrive Alive and Agbami Partners, as their donation of the Bikes became tonic for the realisation of our plan,” he said.

The President, Fight Against Desert Encroachment ( FADE) and Mandela Park and Gardens, Asaba, Dr Newton Jibunoh, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Agbami Parties for the donation and pleaded with drivers, vehicle owners, government functionaries, politicians and all convoy operators to see the Initiative as a means to save precious lives.