As part of its corporate social objectives, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), said it is committed and will support community-driven development. Esimaje Brikinn, CNL General Manager, Policy Government, and Public Affairs, said this at the 9th BMoMR Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Dodo River Communities Development Association (DRCDA) at the Dodo River Secretariat in Bayelsa State.
The DRCDA is a community-based organization established under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), between the Dodo Rivers Communities, the Bayelsa State Government, and the CNL.
Esimaje, who was represented by Elijah Bikikoro, Community Engagement Coordinator, CNL, congratulated the DRCDA on the AGM. “The achievements of the DRCDA reinforce our belief that a process that is community-driven with an effective governance structure can stimulate quicker community development than processes and systems designed without the effective participation of community members,” he said.
Also speaking, Francis Amamogiran, Chairman DRCDA noted that. “The AGM is in keeping with the Transparency and Accountability principle embedded in the GMoU. It is an opportunity for the RDC to open its books for the relevant stakeholders to be abreast of its activities and accomplishments,”
Francis, who thanked NNPC/CNL Joint Venture for consistently funding the Association, called on the Government to be more actively involved in community development. “We equally call on Government at all levels, to be fully involved to encourage, guide, monitor and provide every necessary support in the process of community decision making, projects planning and implementation,” he said.
In a similar vein, Dr. Ebieri Jones the Honourable Commissioner Bayelsa State Ministry of Mineral Resources (BMoMR) commended the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture for its steadfastness in funding the Dodo RCDA to ensure development in the communities, in spite of the tough business climate for the oil and gas industry. The Commissioner, who was represented by Mrs. H. Binafeigha Amasuomo, Permanent Secretary, BMoMR, also thanked the Dodo Communities for their peaceful disposition and charged the people to maintain the peaceful environment required for business operations.
In a demonstration of the DRCDA’s stance on transparency and accountability, the Annual Accounts and Financial Records were read out to the public by Pastor Legborsi Tebira of Anthony Nwinee & Co., Chartered Accountants. There were opportunities for clarifications and questions which were satisfactorily explained.
The well-attended event played host to traditional rulers, top Government functionaries, community representatives, Non-Governmental Organisations, and officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited.
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