By Francis Sadhere
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has signed the renegotiated Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the Egbema Gbaramatu Committee Development Foundation (EGCDF), Ilaje Regional Development Committee and the Delta and Ondo State Governments.
Speaking in Warri, Delta State at the signing ceremony, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Mr Deji Haastrup said that the GMoU was first signed eleven (11) years ago.
According to him, the event was an affirmation of the advancement CNL was making to reinforce it’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the GMoU despite the challenges CNL may face.
He recalled that at the time the GMoU was introduced in 2005, there were some doubts about its workability, adding that; “We however believed that the GMoU would work; that it would help build partnership for sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of communities around our areas of operations”
The vision of the GMoU, according to elated Haastrup was being realised and that both the socio-economic and business objectives of the GMoU are being met.
He disclosed that over 10 years, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture has spent about #17 billion on over 600 development projects and programmes in health, education, economic development and local capacity building.
He listed the projects to include: Scholarship (over 40,000 beneficiaries), agriculture,medical centers and supplies, school buildings, water projects, bridges, town halls, housing units, jetties, drains, and roads.
“We are glad that the EGCDF and Ilaje RDC have continued to demonstrate the capacity to improve the livelihood of their communities having completed various projects. These projects were designed and executed by local contractors of Ilaje communities while the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture provided the funds”, he said.
According to him;” As we renew the EGCDF and Ilaje RDC’s GMoU today, let me reiterate that the NNPC/CNL JV will continue to count on the support of all relevant stakeholders for the successful implementation of the agreement.”
EGCDF Chairman, Chief Michael Johnny commended CNL for its steadfast commitment to the funding of the Foundation through the GMoU.
He urged all and sundry to support “Our sponsors in creating peaceful environment for their continuous operation. This is our core responsibility amongst others in the GMoU”.
Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Claudius Omoleye Daramola said that;” It is our belief that the objectives of the agreements will continue to be realised and that the initiatives will continue to complement the efforts of the states and Federal Government in developing the Niger Delta and ensuring the environment remains conducive for socio-economic development”.
