Uduaghan, Okorocha, others laud Chevron’s GMoU strides

Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, his Imo State counterpart Owelle Rochas Okorocha, prominent community leaders from the Niger Delta as well as some key officials of Chevron, operators of the NNPC/ Chevron joint venture have called on other oil majors, non-governmental organizations and development agencies to emulate the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU put together by Chevron in 2005, stressing that it has developed oil bearing communities in Chevron’s areas of operation.

Speaking at the formal opening of the first GMoU Fair held Thursday February 6 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Dr. Uduaghan who proudly described himself as one of those who know the foundation of the GMoU model, declared that the Regional Development Committees, RDCs have become a breeding ground for the training of leaders.

While noting that the GMoU model has reduced disunity and disharmony among community leaders, Dr. Uduaghan who was apparently making reference to the controversy surrounding the 6million dollars provided by Chevron for the development of the New Ugborodo averred that “no money can miss from GMoU”.

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha who was represented by the State Commissioner for Petroleum and Enviroment, Prof. Okee Okoro stated that Chevron has done so well for the oil producing communities under its areas of operation. He enjoined government and other development agencies to replicate the development strides of the RDCs.

In an address, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop posited that without the support of the state governors in its areas of operation, the GMoU programme would not succeed.

The Chevron boss while emphasizing that his company “is resolutely committed to building partnerships that improve the lot of people in communities” where it operates, quipped that the support of President Goodluck Jonathan to the GMoU is a testament to the high value he places on community development in Nigeria.

Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas as well as Pioneer Chairman of Itsekiri RDC, Hon. Omamofe Joseph Pirah, the first ever GMoU Chairman, Dr. I. C Tolar, Mr. Joe Jakpa of CNL and a representative of Ilaje RDC were among key stakeholders that applauded the achievements of the GMoU, just as they called on other multi nationals, NGOs and development agencies to compliment the efforts of Chevron, noting that apart from infrastructural projects the GMoU has also build the capacities of people of the oil producing communities.

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