Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has sought for more cooperation from stakeholders in the Niger Delta to reduce oil theft and vandalism.

The oil giant made the call through its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, on Thursday June 17, 2021, during the 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of KEFFES Rural Development Foundation (KRDF) at the Matho Crystal Hotel, Yenagoa.

“We need to work together to checkmate the activities of oil thieves and vandals who are responsible for most of the pollution in the waters.

“At CNL, we support global efforts to reduce flaring and carbon emissions and in furtherance of this, we continue to invest in our operations to improve environmental performance while working with industry to develop new innovations and best practices,” he said.

Brikinn, who was represented by Mr. Sam Daibo, Area Manager, PGPA Field Operations, reiterates that CNL is committed to the terms of the Global Memorandum of Understandings (GMoU) between it and KRDF noting that the benefits of the GMoU could only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace that is conducive for business activities.

He implored the people to embrace dialogue in resolving issues, promising that on his company’s part, “CNL will continue to provide support to ensure that we achieved sustainable development for the people.”

Brikinn thanked the Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for creating the enabling environment for the GMoU to succeed. He also thanked the various traditional rulers, community leaders and members of KRDF for their hard work, dedication and support toward actualising the objectives of the GMoU.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Mineral resources, Dr Ebieri Jones, commended CNL for supporting the GMoU, the communities for their peaceful disposition and the KRDF for their achievements.

“I see KRDF as a change agent and wish to see an integration of KRDF projects and government projects,” he declared, and urged the people to build capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas so as to have more people from Bayelsa state operating in the oil and gas value chain in Nigeria.

Also, speaking, Chairman, KRDF, Mr. Matthew Sele-epri, said that despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was able to make remarkable progress in the period under review.

He commended CNL for its commitment to the development of the KEFFES communities and emphasized the need for peace in the communities to support CNL operations and provide enabling environment for development, “we must all be wholly committed to genuine peace and provide a business friendly environment for our partners on whose success our development strongly depends,” he counseled.

In a similar vein, His Royal Highness, J.T.C. Leghemo, the Amanaowei of Koluama 1 and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the KRDF charged community stakeholders and the government to keep on supporting the Foundation.

“The KRDF is our own baby that must be nurtured and weaned to further dizzying heights as a complementary body to governance in our region” He also lauded Chevron for supporting the Foundation.

“The CNL deserves commendation for meeting its obligations under the GMoU despite the daunting challenges,” he reiterated.

Other key stakeholders at the event included: The king of Ezetu 1, His Royal Majesty, I. N. Igbousa; Chiefs and traditional leaders from the eight KEFFES constituent communities; representatives of non-governmental organizations; religious leaders and other key community representatives.

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