Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
CHEVRON Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity of journalists in the Niger Delta, emphasising the media’s critical role in fostering transparency and informed public discourse in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking on Monday at a media capacity-building workshop organised in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, in Asaba, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Mr Olusoga Oduselu, represented by the Manager of Communications, Dr Victor Anyaegbudike, underscored the importance of equipping journalists with the requisite skills to report accurately on the complexities of the energy industry.
“On behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited, I am pleased to welcome you and thank you for partnering with us to organise this capacity-building programme.
“We deeply appreciate the role of the media as a trusted source of information and an important partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed dialogue,” the statement read.
Long-standing Investment in Media Excellence
Chevron highlighted its track record in professional development, noting that its Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme, delivered in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, has benefitted over 120 journalists since its inception in 2014.
In the last three years, the company has trained more than 425 journalists across Lagos, Asaba, Abuja, and Warri in collaboration with the NUJ.
“We are delighted with the opportunity of this training for our media stakeholders to gain the required skills and knowledge to continue to discharge their journalism duties, especially in the oil and gas industry,” the Chevron representative stated.
Commitment to National Development and Local Content
Beyond its business operations, Chevron reiterated its dedication to creating lasting value in Nigeria.
The company emphasised its support for Nigerian Content development through employment, local contracting, and supplier development, reportedly spending an annual average of over $1 billion on Nigerian suppliers .
Chevron also highlighted its sustainable community development initiatives, including the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) pioneered in 2005 and the ongoing transition to Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The company noted it is working with government and community stakeholders to register HCDTs in its areas of operation, contributing significant funds to execute development projects.
“Chevron sees Nigeria and Africa as core growth markets,” the statement said, highlighting investments in gas, deepwater oil, and integrated infrastructure, including the West African Gas Pipeline which supplies gas to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, commended Chevron for the partnership, describing the workshop as a timely intervention to deepen journalists’ understanding of the oil and gas sector.
“This workshop is a timely and strategic intervention to deepen our understanding of the oil and gas industry and strengthen our capacity as journalists.
“It is important that those reporting such a critical sector have the knowledge and professional competence to provide the public with accurate, balanced and responsible information,” Oyowe said .
