UIY backs UGA  Committee, says plight of VTP5 workers, opportunity for Chevron to reaffirm its reputation

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, UIY Warri South - West Zone, has backed the call  for  Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL to immediately employ the 32 Itsekiri Vocational Training Programme, VTP5 workers  as permanent staff of the company, saying the decision was after careful review of the appeal earlier made by the Employment Committee of Ugborodo Graduates Association, UGA.

The UIY Warri South - West Zone, said it wasunacceptable that qualified sons and daughters of Itsekiri host communities, continue to experience prolonged uncertainty, despite years of proven service and previous assurances of permanent employment.

Chairman and General Secretary of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, Warri South - West Zone, Comrade Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi and Comrade Mathew Eyitemi Etchie, respectively, in a statement made available to Fresh Angle International Monday July 6, expressed their readiness to stand with Ugborodo Graduates Association and the affected VTP5 workers, on any method they choose to address the perceived injustice.

The statement, noted: ""The Executive Council of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), Warri South-West Zone, under the leadership of Comr. Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi, has carefully reviewed the open appeal issued by the Employment Committee of the Ugborodo Graduates Association concerning the continued non-absorption of the thirty-two (32) Itsekiri Vocational Training Programme (VTP5) personnel into the permanent workforce of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

"After a thorough review of the facts presented and the history of this matter, we unequivocally state that we stand firmly with the Ugborodo Graduates Association and the affected Itsekiri VTP5 workers in their pursuit of justice and fairness.

"For over thirteen (13) years, these qualified Itsekiri professionals have rendered dedicated and commendable service to Chevron Nigeria Limited and they have contributed significantly to the company's operations across various facilities. During this period, they have acquired invaluable experience, demonstrated competence, and remained committed to the company's success. It is therefore difficult to understand why they continue to remain contract personnel while new employees are continually recruited into permanent positions.

"As a youth body representing Warri South-West Zone, we consider this situation not merely an employment issue but a matter of fairness to all the host communities whose land and resources have sustained Chevron's operations for decades. It is unacceptable that qualified sons and daughters of the Itsekiri host communities continue to experience prolonged uncertainty despite years of proven service and previous assurances of permanent employment.

"We therefore lend our full support to the demands made by the Ugborodo Graduates Association, particularly the call for Chevron Nigeria Limited to suspend ongoing recruitment exercises until the outstanding issue of the thirty-two (32) Itsekiri VTP5 workers is justly resolved. "We also support the call for a transparent, fair, and equitable recruitment process that gives deserving consideration to qualified host community indigenes.

"We respectfully urge the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited to honour its previous commitments and demonstrate the principles of fairness and responsible corporate citizenship for which it is globally recognized. Resolving this longstanding issue will not only restore confidence among host communities but also strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between Chevron and the Itsekiri people over the years.

"The Executives of UIY Warri South-West Zone wish to make it clear that we are fully prepared to stand with the Ugborodo Graduates Association and the affected VTP5 workers on any method they choose to pursue this issue until this longstanding injustice is addressed. 

"We're calling on all well-meaning stakeholders to join their voices and appeal to Chevron Nigeria Limited to do the needful.

"This is an opportunity for Chevron Nigeria Limited to reaffirm its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen by taking decisive action that will restore confidence and further strengthen its relationship with the Itsekiri host communities.

"Chevron Nigeria Limited, the Itsekiri people have consistently chosen the path of peace and dialogue. We urge you to reciprocate that goodwill by doing what is just and equitable. Let this matter be resolved through fairness rather than avoidable tension. The time to act is now."

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