Global Business Drive latest News/ E-Commerce
By Gladys Johnson
The 500-meter drainage system in Edjeba Community funded by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture was commissioned recently to avert the annual flooding. The project which was executed under CNL’s Project Specific Agreement (PSA) was awarded by the Edjeba community to one of its own, Pyrammidt Company Nigeria Ltd in December 2017. The beneficiaries of the drainage project include the members of the community and thousands of users of the Edjeba road linking the NPA expressway.
Esimaje Brikinn, Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), who joined other dignitaries in commissioning the project, said during the occasion that this demonstrates another example of the NNPC/CNL JV’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people in their operational areas and beyond.
Brikinn, who was represented by Tony Emegere, CNL PGPA’s Superintendent, attributed the success of the project to the support of the Edjeba community who managed and created the enabling atmosphere for the successful execution of the project.
Also, the Delta State government approved and nominated representatives to serve in the project implementation committee.
“Through partnership with the government of Delta State as well as community stakeholders, we have been adding significant values to people’s lives through our Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement initiatives.
“This is the trail of goodness we leave behind in every community where we operate, and we congratulate the Edjeba community for successfully completing this Drainage System Project,” he said.
Brikinn urged members of the community to maintain the facility, adding that the effectiveness of a drainage system is dependent on the maintenance of the system. “It is our hope that the drains be kept clear of filth and dirt at all times so as to ensure that the excess water is always carried away.” Brikinn explained.
Mr. S. O. Okujere, Representative of the Delta State government, Director, Governor’s Office Annex in Warri, described as heartwarming the commencement and completion of the project. He appreciated CNL/NNPC JV’s commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility to communities by giving back through projects which are targeted at improving the social condition of the members. He urged other citizens and corporate organizations to emulate the sponsors in improving infrastructural development in host communities.
“It is the desire of the government to see other corporate entities emulate Chevron Nigeria Limited,” Okujere noted.
Meanwhile, the Unur’ovwodo of Edjeba, High Chief Michael Ikpuri commended CNL/NNPC JV, Elders and Council of Chiefs and Edjeba community executives led by Kingsley Okekeri for the project’s success. High Chief Ikpuri was accompanied by other Chiefs that include Chief Isaac Emifoye, Chief Francis Ikpuri, the eldest member of Edjeba community otherwise called the Olotu of Agbarha kingdom and Chief Felix Tughele Ogri, among others. He also appealed to the community executives to initiate another project, noting that Edjeba was lagging behind in infrastructural development in the communities.
The Leader of the women, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Powo JP, expressed joy at the completion of the project which she said has halted the perennial flooding in the area. “I’m happy because when water was over flooding the place, it destroyed many things and so with this drainage, water will not over flood Edjeba again.
Other projects sponsored by CNL for non-GMoU communities include: e-library at Ubeji; Ekpan Women Development Centre; Ekpan Surgical Theatre/Call Rooms project; Aruakpor-Umah Road Electricity project; Edjeba Solar Powered Water project; Osubi Solar Powered Water project and NYSC Science Teachers’ program at Ekpan Secondary School, among others.
