Tejiri Ebikeme
THE General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Mr. Deji Haastrup has expressed delight at the return of peace to the Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) being funded by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture.
In Warri, Delta State, speaking at the inauguration of the new Executive Commiittee of the Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), Mr Haastrup said he was excited at the return of peace to the EGCDF, urging the communities to sustain the peace for them to enjoy meaningful development. Election was held into the EGCDF March 20, 2013.
He said; “This event today is significant in two main ways: It re-affirms the commitment of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture to partnering with the communities in the areas of its operations for socio-economic development through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) while maintaining its policy of non-interference in their internal affairs, including the selection of their leaders and representatives. It also confirms that the EGCDF and its constituent communities and the other Regional Development Committees (RDCs) have solid processes of appointing their leaders under the GMoU framework.’’
“I am therefore happy that we are here to renew the assurance that this new crop of leaders are the people you have elected in a peaceful, open and fair election, to steer the affairs of the EGCDF for the next three years. For the new leaders, we believe that your election indicates the confidence reposed in you by the Egbema and Gbaramatu communities to continue to lead the developmental efforts of the Foundation and build on the efforts of your predecessors. We also trust that during your tenure, the EGCDF can deliver more socio-economic dividends to its member-communities and further realize the objectives of the GMoU upon which it operates”, he said.
He used the forum to reiterate that the GMoU was not only meeting its objectives, but had also become a choice model for sustainable socio-economic development that is imitated by other organizations globally, adding that; “The GMoU is a development model that is driven by the communities through a participatory approach that involves all stakeholders.”
According to him, “The EGCDF has also demonstrated its capacity to improve the livelihood of its communities, having completed and handed over more than 80 projects (including housing, block of classrooms, cottage hospitals, potable water, guest houses, concrete jetties, electrification and transportation, town halls) for the use of its constituent-communities since the GMoU process was commenced in 2005. The GMoU has also facilitated scholarships to secondary and tertiary students, employment opportunities, contracts to community contractors and capacity building of community people in areas such as micro credits, project management, welding etc.)”
He said in line with the objectives of the GMoU, the applicable projects were designed and executed by local community contractors of Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdoms, while the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture provided the funds.
“We must commend the sterling leadership qualities of the past leaders of the EGCDF especially the outgoing Executive committee members. It is your efforts and commitment that have made these accomplishments possible. We thank you and wish you all well. We also urge you to continue to assist the new leaders with your wealth of experiences whenever called upon to do so,” he stated.
While commending the Egbema and Gbaramatu communities on the successful transition to a new leadership through a peaceful election, Mr. Haastrup said “We encourage you all to close ranks and support the new leadership in the interest of the people. CNL will like the people to continue to demonstrate their respect for the Rule of Law and adoption of constructive dialogue in the resolution of all issues. We assure you of our continued support and partnership to deliver community development and sustainable development to the communities.”
