…As EGCDF holds 10th AGM

By Francis Sadhere

As part of it’s Corporate Social Responsibility, the Nigeria National Petroleum Development Company(NNPC)/Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Venture, on Tuesday says it has contributed over N7 billion to the Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) since it’s creation in 2005.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of CNL, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, started your during the 10th Annual General Meeting of EGCDF at Effurun near Warri, Delta State.

Brikinn who was represented by Mr Sam Daibo, Area Manager, Field Operations said that CNL was committed to the terms of the Global Memorandum of Understandings (GMoU) between it and the Foundation.

While imploring the people of the two communities to embrace dialogue in resolving issues, Daibo noted that the benefits of the GMoU could only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace that was conducive for business activities.

“Since inception in 2005, the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture has contributed over N7 billion to the EGCDF.

“Successive Regional Development Committee (RDC) leadership used the fund for implementing various infrastructural and non infrastructural projects.

“Chevron will continue to provide support to ensure that we achieved sustainable development for the people.

“This is a tough time for the Oil and Gas industry globally . Nevertheless, Chevron takes its role as a corporate citizen in Nigeria seriously and remain active in many projects that promote health, education and economic development.

“We seek more cooperation from all stakeholders as the company takes steps to ensure the sustainability of the business in the face of the current business challenges,” he said.

Brikinn thanked the Delta governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for creating the enabling environment for the GMoU to succeed.

He also thanked the various traditional rulers, community leaders and members of EGCDF for their hard work, dedication and support toward actualising the objectives of the GMoU.

Also, Chairman of the EGCDF, Mr Jude Ukori said that despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was able to make remarkable progress and achievement in 2020.

He said that under the 2019/2020 New Project Circle, the Foundation awarded a total of 17 projects to contractors nominated by the communities after a competitively bidding process.

He said, “Apart from our infrastructural projects which indeed have dynamically transformed the architectural outlook and aesthetics of our communities.

“The Foundation also runs chains of non-infrastructural programs designed to build the capacity of the indigenes. This programs include scholarship, skill acquisition and micro- credit scheme.”

The Delta deputy governor, Kingsley Otuaro who was represented by the state Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr Emman Amgbaduba urged the people to continue to embrace peace and dialogue.

“When the issue is beyond you, you can meet the government and we will intervene,” he said.

Earlier, the General Secretary of EGCDF, Comrade Sheriff Mulade in his welcome address said this year’s AGM was designed to celebrate and thank God for keeping them alive amidst the Covid-19.

He said in spite of challenges faced in 2020 the foundation had succeeded remarkable in engraving her name in the minds of the people.

“It’s a thing of joy that as a community we have strived successfully in the execution of numerous infrastructural and non-infrastructural projects.

He commended the Chairman of the Foundation, Comrade Jude Ukori, the chairman of the Community Engagement Management Board (CEMB), Prof. Femi Ajibola, it’s sole donor, Chevron Nigeria Limited, NGOs, MNDA, PPCD, Light-Africa, DESOPADEC, as well as other intending agencies that are on queue to align with them and to support them.

Mulade also advised all to abide by the NCDC guidelines and directives on prevention of Covid-19.

In attendance were: representatives of the kings of Gbaramatu and Egbema kingdoms, religious leaders, sons and daughters of Ijaw among others.

Photo: From left: Comrade Jude Ukori, chairman, EGCDF, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Delta State Oil and Gas Commissioner representating the Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and Mr Sam Diabo, Area Manager, Field Operations, CNL, during the EGCDF 2020 Annual General meeting, Warri.