By 
Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL), Operators NNPC/CNL Joint Ventures, and the Delta State government have lauded the Itsekiri Regional Development Council (IRDC) for judicious use of funds for the meaningful projects across Itsekiri communities.
The commendation came on Wednesday during the IRDC Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held at Wellington Hotels, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs( PGPA), Mr Esimaje Brikinn, in his address said that driving human progress remains sacrosanct in the day-to-day running of Chevron’s activities in its host communities.
Represented by the CNL’s Area Manager, PGPA (Field Operations), Mr. Sam Daibo, Brikinn said Chevron had, over the years, worked and demonstrated ethical, environmentally responsible, safe, and respectful business practices.
“Our primary contribution is by safely developing and delivering affordable and reliable energy that is necessary for social and economic progress.
“Additionally, we contribute, through our work, in protecting people and the environment and by investing in health, education, and economic development.
“The greatest success of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), however, is in meeting its objectives by making communities take the driver’s seat in their own development and ensuring significant empowerment and capacity building opportunities come to our people.
“It is important to note that community development can only be sustained in atmosphere of peace that is conducive for business activities,” Brikinn enthused.
He further stated that CNL will continue to navigate the changes currently on-going in the oil and gas sector and support the development of the communities.
On his part, Delta State Commissioner for Oil /Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, who was represented by Dr. Efe Okoro, commended the IRDC for judicious use of the funds at its disposal in executing meaningful projects across the communities.
Dr Okoro said government would continue to create enabling environment for oil firms in the state to thrive and sued for the cooperation of the various host communities.
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He admonished members of the IRDC to continue to work with the executive to help them succeed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of IRDC, Ambassador Austin Oniyesan, said the Annual General meeting afforded him the opportunity to report to members, communities, and partners on the the achievements of the IRDC and what lies ahead of them.
The chairman, while reeling out the achievements of his administration, which were backed up by visuals, said his tenure had recorded massive milestone in infrastructure development.
He said they included construction of several two bedroom housing units in all 23 communities under the GMoU, construction of community Town Halls at Ureju and Udo communities, construction of concrete walkway with bridge at Tisun community and the construction of 0.56km road project at Bateren community.
Others were the construction of Integrated Agriculture farms at Tisun community, training and provisions of starterpacks for selected 20 agripreneurs, training of youths on agriculture service providers and delivery by IITA Ibadan.
He also listed the construction of Gbokoda Community Cottage hospital, construction of Bateren Community Health Center, among others in education, healthcare as well as human capital development.
In his goodwill message, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola, who’s the Chairman, IRDC, Community Engagement Management Board (CEMB), lauded the IRDC leadership and the supporting committees for their persistence in the pursuit of development of their communities.
He also commended CNL for pioneering one of the best models for sustainable community engagement and development, and for their commitment to the continued success of the model.
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