We have invested over N7 billion since the inception of EGCDF, Chevron reveals

Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, says it has invested more than seven billion naira (N7billion) on infrastructural and non-infrastructural projects in Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms, Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State, under the auspices of Egbema, Gbaramatu Communities’ Development Foundation, EGCDF.

Fresh Angle International  can report that this much was disclosed Wednesday April 28, at the EGCDF Secretariat in Effurun, Delta State, by the General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, during the 11^th Annual General Meeting, AGM/ Inauguration of the 5th Executive and Members of EGCDF.

He commended the immediate past leadership of EGCDF, “for making good use of funds available”, expressing delight that the Foundation has awarded scholarships and implemented several infrastructural projects.

The PGPA Boss, who was represented by the Area Manager, Policy Government & Public Affairs, PGPA, Field Operations, CNL, Mr. Sam Daibo, appreciated the efforts of previous and the immediate past executive of EGCDF, saying they left good legacies behind as regards service to their people, just as he remembered the pioneer Chairman of EGCDF, Dr. Ikem Tolar of blessed memory, for laying a solid foundation for EGCDF.

Mr. Brikinn, stated that despite the challenging times the oil and gas industry is facing globally, Chevron Nigeria Limited, “takes its role as a corporate citizen in Nigeria seriously and remains active in many projects that promote health, education and economic development”.

While assuring that CNL is committed to the GMoU, Brikinn solicited increase support of people from the company’s host communities, in protecting Chevron’s critical infrastructures, even as he commended the host communities for joining CNL in checking crude oil theft.

He praised EGCDF, noting that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CNL executed some projects in 2020 and 2021 as well as embark on robust advocacy, reaching out to UNDP and collaborated with the International Donor Agency (UNDP) to provide counterpart funding of 100 thousand US Dollars to support EGCDF environmental and agricultural business initiatives.

Chief Joseph Wuruyai (2nd left) in warm handshake with Mr. Sam Daibo, alongside Mr. Emmanuel Emeribe (3^rd left) & others, during the inauguration

Brikinn, commended the Delta State Government, “for creating enabling environment”, for the company to operate and implored the various communities to sustain their support for EGCDF executive, in order to continually enjoy development.

The immediate past Chairman of EGCDF, Amb. Jude Ukori, while delivering his stewardship, said they inherited 19 projects and awarded 30 within their four-year period, adding that their leadership spent One Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Six Million, Six Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira, Fifty Eight Kobo, (N1, 896, 614, 260.58) out of which 26 projects were completed and four ongoing.

Amb. Ukori disclosed: “Recently 12 projects were commissioned within Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities, each having equal number of projects’.

According to him, since the inauguration of EGCDF in 2005, 165 projects have been completed, with the infrastructural projects awarded totaling 172 and over 3,471 scholarships granted to beneficiaries across the two kingdoms.

He appealed for more funding from CNL as well as government support.

The newly inaugurated EGCDF Chairman, Chief Joseph Wuruyai, in his inaugural address, stated that his administration will consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and ensure that EGCDF collaborate with relevant local and international agencies, to complement the efforts of CNL.

He advised host communities to always dialogue with companies operating in their area, for peace and sustainable development.

Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, presented letter of commendation to Amb. Ukori’s leadership, “for excellent and peaceful transition of power to the new leadership”.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the immediate past Secretary-General of EGDCF, appreciated people of Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities as well as leaders of both kingdoms, for their support.

From Left: Chief Sheriff Mulade, Chief Joseph Wuruyai, Amb. Jude Ukori, handing over official document to the new EGCDF Boss, while Chief James Tamgbowei & others observe

Comrade Mulade, encouraged members of the new executive to always consult when necessary, appealing to the youths to support development and shun social vices that can affect positive growth.

The Pere of Gbaramatu, Oboro Gbaraun II, represented by Chief Wellington Okrika and the Regent of Egbema Kingdom, Chief Johnbull Adaun, commended the out-gone leadership of EGDCF and urged the new executive to sustain development drive.

Pix 1 Representative of Pere of Gbaramatu, Oboro II, Chief Wellington Okrika

Pix 2 Regency in-Council of Egbema, represented by Chief Matthew Tiemo

Our Senior Correspondent reports that other members of the new 15-member executive of EGCDF are: Chief December Aweh; Vice Chairman, Hon. Sunny Abilo; General-Secretary, Deacon Prince Isaiah Gbenekama; Assistant General-Secretary, Apostle Census Oluba; Treasurer, Amb. Sule Akpasibewei; Principal Secretary, Comrade Markson Aboh; PRO, Amb. (Chief) David Bubor; Assistant PRO, Comrade Pedro Bekenawei; Communication Director, Mr. Paul Toruwei; Provost, Hon. Bishop Sunny Jero;  Mobilization/Advocacy Officer, Chief Vero Emmanuel; Social Secretary, Comrade Shola Korokoro; Assistant Social Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Wariyai; Gender Advocacy Officer and Chief Andrew Goroh; Transport/ Logistics  Officer.

Pix 1. A Cross Section of the new executive

Pix 2. (From right) Mr. Sam Daibo, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Chief Joseph Wuruyai, Amb. Jude Ukori & others 

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