Stakeholders from Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State have commended Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and some its employees from Isoko land for donating a modern toilet facility and water borehole to Arasa Primary School, Iwride/Oviri, Olomoro town, in Isoko South Local Government Area.
Commissioning the facilities at the school premises on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, the Isoko South Local Government Chairman Sir Itiako Ikpokpu noted that the gesture by the company in partnership with its employees from the area was remarkable and worthy of emulation.
He stated that it was rare to see a corporate organization and its employees embarking on such development projects in the communities especially where they do not have operational presence and thanked the company and the employees for their kind gesture to the school. “What we are used to is that companies sign MoU with communities where they operate to undertake a development project. But this one is different. This is a company saying to the employees – Tell me that you love your community and we will assist you to show them love,” he remarked.
Sir Ikpokpu noted that the gesture was a clear testimony that the company understands the importance of good health especially amongst children who are vulnerable to different diseases occasioned by poor sanitary conditions and unkempt toilet facilities. He therefore advised the school management to properly maintain the facilities and avoid converting same to public facilities.
Earlier in his remarks on behalf of the company, Mr. Wilson Ekakite, stated that over the years, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture recognizes that its progress is tied to the progress of the communities neighbouring its operations adding that in line with its tradition of care, Chevron has continued to implement our social investment programs cutting across the thematic areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
“Our employees have imbibed this culture and through the Employee Volunteering Program (EVP) they are giving back to the society by engaging in different projects to assist in the social development of the communities.” He also urged the school’s management, pupils and teachers to make good use of the facilities so provided and ensure its adequate maintenance and security as they will help to minimize the incidents or spread of communicable diseases through improper disposal of human waste.
One of the employees involved in the project, Mrs. Joyce Efe-Arugba stated that they were disturbed by the poor sanitary condition of the toilet facility in the school, hence the decision to partner with the company in implementing the project. She also implored the recipients of the facilities to take care of them for the benefit of the pupils and teachers. Other Chevron representatives at the commissioning ceremony include Victor Anyaegbudike and Emmanuel Emeribe.
