IPCDC Chairman, Oniyesan explains how over 50,000 Itsekiris positively benefitted from Chevron's GMoU in sixteen years

The Chairman of Itsekiri Oil and Gas Producing/Impacted Communities’ Development Committee, IPCDC, Amb. Austin Oniyesan, says IPCDC has positively impacted over 50,000 Itsekiris from the 23 Itsekiri host communities of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, in the last sixteen years, through strategic infrastructure, Agriculture, education, health care and human capacity development programmes.

Fresh Angle International can report that Amb. Oniyesan, gave the explanation, Wednesday December 15 at Effurun in Delta State, during 2021 Annual General Meeting of Itsekiri Oil and Gas Producing/Impacted Communities’ Development Committee, IPCDC.

The IPCDC Chairman, mentioned achievements of IPCDC to include; construction of housing units, town halls, concrete walkway, road project, Integrated Agric Farm, training and provision of starter packs for selected 20"Agripreneurs, training of youths on Agriculture service providers and delivery by IITA Ibadan, award of scholarship to deserving students of selected secondary and tertiary institutions, construction of Gbokoda Community Cottage Hospital, construction of Bateren Community Health Centre, provision of starter packs for 438 Itsekiri youths, trained in Hair Dressing, Hotel and Catering Services, Information Communication Technology, Tailoring/ Fashion Design, Tinsmith and Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical and Moulding of Inter-locking stones and Kerbs as well as facilitation of employment opportunities for indigenes of IPCDC Communities.

A Cross Section of representatives of IPCDC Communities, at the AGM

In a goodwill message, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, thanked Delta State Government, the Olu of Warri and the community leaders, for their continued support towards actualizing the objectives of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) through IPCDC.

Mr. Brikinn, who was represented by the Area Manager, Field Operations, PGPA, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sam Daibo, noted that the 2021 Annual General Meeting of IPCDC: “Represents a major milestone in the annals of the IPCDC and of-course, GMoU with communities around our areas of operation. It is in continuation of a key fundamental of the GMoU process which is transparency and accountability”.

He added: “It is heartwarming to note that, in keeping with the principles of transparency and accountability, the leadership of IPCDC is able to hold its 2021 AGM today, in addition to achieving most of its cardinal objectives, including community empowerment and sustainable development. I am sure we all heard some of the achievements of IPCDC during the Chairman’s speech.

“The achievements of IPCDC, reinforce our belief that a process that is community-driven can stimulate quicker community development than processes and systems designed without effective participation of community members.

“I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Delta State government, CNL, our Team Lead, our supporting NGOs and the RDC Sub Committees to continue to work with this administration so that we can continue to record more successes.

From Left: Omawumi Urhobo, Busola Babalola, Mr. Sam Daibo, Amb. Austin Oniyesan & Dr. Okoro

“CNL has continuously invested in the GMoU since its inception in 2005. This investment has led to the successful implementation of hundreds of projects and programs that have provided scholarships; built new schools, medical facilities and housing; and supported the development of agriculture and improvement of infrastructure”. 

The Chairman, Itsekiri Oil and Gas Producing/Impacted Communities’ Development Committee (IPCDC) Community Engagement Management Board, CEMB, Prof Obafemi Ajibola, who was represented by Busola Babalola, congratulated the IPCDC leadership and indigenes of the 23 Chevron host communities, “for successfully hosting their first AGM in 10years”

Prof. Ajibola, who expressed optimism that the AGM report presented basically covered activities of the IPCDC from 2016 – June 2020, averred: “.I am quite pleased with the accomplishments of the IPCDC over the years, from 2011 till date, the IPCDC has sustained momentous successes in their programs and activities designed to bring sustainable development to the GMoU communities”.

He noted: “A transition plan is already in place to migrate from the GMoU/OMoU Governance Model to the PIA”, saying: “I am confidant and convinced that the skills and capacity built over the past years, will help us to prepare for a peaceful and stress free transition”.

Erefoluwa Keka (right) Mr. Oneyor (3^rd right) Mr. Itse Orugboh (2^nd left) Busola Babalola (4^th left) Prince Moses Fregene (5^th left) M., Sam Daibo (7^th left) Amb. Austin Oniyesan (6^th right) & others

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