A Call for Equitable Partnership: Addressing Historical Injustices Between Chevron Nigeria Limited and Host Community, Ugborodo

Introduction

Since 1965, when the first oil drilling commenced right in our backyard OKAN FIELD to be precise, our community has watched as vast resources have been extracted from our lands, yet the promised benefits have remained elusive with our people dying of fossil fuels emissions. As a host community, we have been marginalized, and the socio-economic hopes that accompanied the onset of oil exploration have largely gone unfulfilled. This document outlines our grievances and demands for a fair, equitable partnership that acknowledges our rightful place as stakeholders in the development of our community and region.

Historical Context

For over six decades, our community has endured the environmental, social, and economic consequences of oil exploitation and exploration. Despite the wealth generated from our resources, we have not seen commensurate investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, or sustainable development. Instead, the presence of oil extraction has often resulted in environmental degradation, social fragmentation, and economic impoverishment, further exacerbating our community's vulnerabilities.

Our Grievances

1. Lack of Economic Development: The financial benefits derived from oil exploitation have not trickled down to our community. We demand transparent and accountable financial reports that illustrate how much revenue has been generated and how it has been reinvested in our community.

2. Environmental Degradation: Oil spills, gas flaring, and land degradation have led to severe damage to our ecosystem. This impacts our fishing, farming, and overall health. We seek immediate action to mitigate environmental harm and restore affected areas.

3.We are completely Marginalized in Decision-making:

Ugborodo community has been systematically excluded from discussions and decisions regarding oil exploration and its impacts be it positively or negatively. We demand representation in decision-making bodies and active participation in all aspects of oil operations.

4.Inadequate Social Investment: Promises made regarding social investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure have often gone unfulfilled. We call for a detailed plan for social investment, with commitments to improve our living conditions.

5. Cultural and Social Impacts:

The influx of workers and external influences has strained our cultural identity and social cohesion. We demand CNL to engage with our community representatives and these include the UGBORODO COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE WOMEN GROUP AND THE YOUTH BODY to promote initiatives that respect and preserve our cultural heritage and right as host community.

Our Core Demands

In light of our grievances, we hereby make the following demands:

1. Revenue Sharing: Establish a transparent revenue-sharing model that ensures a fair percentage ratio of 60/40 of oil revenues is allocated to community development funds managed by our community management committee duly put in place by the custom, tradition and the people of ugborodo.

2. Environmental Remediation: Implement a comprehensive environmental management plan, including the restoration of polluted water, air, farm land, regular monitoring of ecological impacts, and initiatives that foster sustainable practices as obtained elsewhere.

3. Community Representation: Create a community advisory panel that includes former leaders, ensuring that the voices of our community are heard and considered in all operational strategies, decisions-making.

4. *Social Investment Commitment:* Develop and implement a robust plan for social investment, detailing specific commitments to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, contractual agreement in the area of procurement, maintenance, transportation and direct employment with timelines and performance metrics.

5.Cultural Inclusion:

Initiate programs that promote cultural exchange and education about our community’s history, values, and traditions to foster mutual respect and understanding.

Conclusion

We believe that a fair partnership is possible, one that honors the historical contributions and sacrifices of our community while fostering mutual growth and sustainability. As we move forward, we urge Chevron Nigeria Limited to engage with us earnestly, recognizing our rights as a HOST COMMUNITY in the wealth generated from our land. Together, we can build a future that benefits both ugborodo and the CNL, transforming historical marginalization, DIVIDE-AND-RULE into a legacy of collaboration and prosperity.

LETTING GO ISN'T ABOUT FORGETTING BUT IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO MOVE FORWARD AND MAKE SPACE WHAT'S TO COME

A stitch in the saves nine.

Temi Kingsway Eyoyibo.

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