KEFFES commends Chervon for implementation of GMoU in Coastal Communities

The Chairman of KEFFES Communities Rural Development Foundation, Mr. Matthew Sele-Epri, has commended Chervon Nigeria Limited for the commitment on helping to implement the Global Memorandom of Understanding, GMoU in achieving success in the development of the coastal communities in the Niger Delta region.

He also commend the Seriake Dickson led Government for providing technical support and building the capacity of members of KEFFES in the quest to develop the Communities.

Mr. Sele-Epri noted that KEFFES has made notable impact in improving the quality of lives of the people through the execution of some capital projects in the State.

Our Bayelsa State Correspondent reports that Sele-Eori gave the commendation during her 8th Annual General Meeting held July 14 at KEFFES Secretariat, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with the theme: Sustainable Community Development.

Mr. Sele-Epri said one of the challenges encountered by the Foundation is the attitude of some youths towards contractors in executing some projects in the State.

He urged Bayelsans and stakeholders to prevail on their subjects to be receptive and not restraint to development, while appealing to stakeholders to enlighten community members to see Rural Development Foundation projects as community assets and advised to take full onwership of such projects.

Sele-Epri assured that the utmost desire to make life more meaningful to the coastal communities is unruffled despite the challenges that confront them.

He, therefore called on the stakerholders and sundry to always support Global Memorandom of Understanding, GMoU activities which according to him, "development is a collective responsibility that requires all stakeholders' commitment".

In his remarks, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chervon Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jeff Ewing who was represented by Superintendent, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Tony Emegere said the Annual General Meeting represents another milestone in the annals of the KEFFES Communities Rural Development Foundation, while appreciating the Foundation for managing the process of achieving most of its cardinal objectives, including community empowerment and sustainable development. He further commended the Foundation for executing people-oriented projects.

He also commended the demonstrated capacity for peace building and conflict resolution in the coastal communities by all stakeholders, adding that the success was accomplished by adhering to the key GMoU principles of transparency, accountability and participatory partnership.

Mr. Ewing said the meeting afford the stakerholders the opportunity to seek clarifications on what they have done with the Foundation funds over the years, adding the GMoU is being reviewed to keep up with stakeholder's expectation and emerging developments.

He called on the community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to keep an open mind and continue to support the implementation of the GMoU so that the coastal communities can reap more benefits from the agreement.

He further appreciated the Foundation with the efficient utilization of third-party fund drive as well as its support for educational development with the KEFFES Communities, while challenging the Foundation to be more focused on third-party funding.

Mr. Jeff Ewing urged the Foundation to be more focused on economic empowerment programs to improve the quality of life of the community folks, while enjoining Foundation to encourage more women to participate in the GMoU activities.

He thanked the State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson for creating the enabling environment that helps sustain the GMoU in the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of Board of Trustees and Amanaowei of Koluama 1, His Royal Highness J.T.C Leghemo, said the harmony that exists among the eight communities of KEFFES Rural Development Foundation keeps waxing stronger and promised to maintain the temple.

He appealed to Chervon Nigieria Limited to employ more qualified graduates and artisans that dotted the length and breathe of the region.

J.T.C. Keghemo suggested that Chervon should encourage the formation of Coastal Group Cooperatives by providing Fishing Trawlers that can fish further afield, adding that it has an assured advantage of sustaining the ailing fishing business of the people, creating job opportunities in the sea-going trade as well as open windows for skill acquisition in the maritime sector in form of training and certification.

He thanked the State Government in the fight against sea piracy, kidnapping in the coastal waters and creeks of the region.

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