Tejiri Ebikeme
The Delta State government has commended the exemplary leadership and partnership of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in the provision of infrastructure facilities for socio-economic development of communities in the State.
Barrister Vincent Omorie, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Affairs, made the commendation on Tuesday May 20, 2014 at the commissioning of solar-powered water projects at Edjeba primary school, Warri and two 500 KVA electricity transformers at Osubi community donated by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture.
Barrister Omorie, who stood in for the Secretary to the State government, Comrade Ovuozuorie Macaulay, noted that the gesture by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture supports the State government’s agenda of Infrastructure and human capital development adding that the provision of potable water to the school children was aimed at sustaining the healthy living of the leaders of tomorrow.
He noted that Chevron has demonstrated leadership not only in providing the facility, but also in setting into motion the process of skills acquisition and capacity building for the community folks who participated in the planning, scoping, implementation of the projects. “Chevron has built project management capacities for those involved in the execution of these projects and that should be sustained,” he stated.
While thanking the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for sponsoring the projects, he also expressed delight that the provision of two transformers to Osubi community is helping to boost power supply and enhance industrial growth in the area. He charged the people to own the projects, protect them and use them for the benefits of the communities.
The Chairmen of the Edjeba and Osubi Communities, Mr. Marcus Udoyo and Comrade Igho Omatagiren respectively thanked the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for the donations stating that the community representatives involved in the projects have learnt from the process and were satisfied with stages of execution, standard of work, implementation of local content and due process followed through to completion of the projects. Also the head teacher of the Edjeba Primary School Warri, Mrs. Kate Ehizibue expressed happiness over the gesture by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture and noted that the provision of the water facility would help in solving the water needs of the pupils and teachers in the school.
Earlier in his remarks, the General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup stated that the successful commissioning of the projects executed by the company under its Project Specific Agreement (PSA) with the communities was a testimony to the value of collaborative efforts by the relevant stakeholders to bring better life to the people.
Represented by Mr. Trust Inimgba, the Superintendent, Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Warri, Mr. Haastrup expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its continued support which has facilitated the successful completion of the projects and to the community leaders and the people for their commitment and support in actualizing the objective of the Project Specific Agreements.
He noted that the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture believes very strongly in, and is resolutely committed to enhancing partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of sustainable development of communities around its areas of operations in the Niger Delta. The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, on Wednesday May 22, 2014, will also commission a six classroom block donated to Ubeji Primary School, Warri and donate books and electronic aids to eight schools in Delta State
