By Our Correspondent

Chevron Nigeria says its decision to introduce the GMoU+ after successfully implementing the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU which has seen the company spending N16.7billion between 2005 to 2015 to develop the eight Regional Development Committees, RDCs it’s in-line with  “a new direction of the community development concept which focuses on business development, income generation and economic empowerment as well as third party partnership and collaboration that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup gave the explanation in an address during the launch of Agriprenuer Programme at PIND EDC, Egbokodo in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.

According to the Chevron PGPA Boss, an economic growth opportunity study was carried out in the communities which identified agriculture as means to stimulate socio-economic development using agribusiness as a means of income generation and provision of employment for youths.

While disclosing that Chevron is partnering with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta, PIND, the EGCDF and Itsekiri RDC to implement the pilot programme with 40 trainees from the two RDCs, Mr. Haastrup noted that the pilot programme will gulp over N188million.

He acknowledged that opportunities for large-scale employment of labour in the oil and gas industry is extremely limited and enjoined the leadership of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities’ Development Foundation, EGCDF and Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, IRDC to sustain their interest so as to ensure the success of the programme.

In an address, the Group General Manager NAPIMS NNPC, Mr. Sejebor Dafe Stephen described the plethora of projects accomplished by the Regional Development Committees as a clear indication of the success of the GMoU engagement concept and good returns on the huge social investments by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture.

While expressing delight that the Agripreneur Programme is coming at this time when the country is passing through challenging economic period occasioned by low crude oil price, Mr. Stephen  who spoke through Mrs Clementina Arubi, Deputy Manager, Community Relations ‘ B’ stressed the need to diversify the Nation’s economic resource base through other ventures, especially agriculture.

Also speaking, the chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Chief Michael Johnny expressed gratitude to Chevron for the sustained partnership, saying it has led to the development of the communities.

He said; “Our partners are passing through difficult times as a result of oil price fall.We need to create enabling environment for our partners. We have over the years achieved so much in terms of projects execution for our communities. Our partners should carry host communities along for safety of oil facilities.”

He added; “Government involvement in the development of our communities is very important. Our areas need to be developed. We should be empowered to eliminate criminality from our society. I want to implore the participants to take the training programme seriously.”