By Frank Efe, Warri
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy to support sustainable human progress globally.
The company also revealed that it has contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees for the execution of hundreds of projects aimed at improving living standards in communities within its areas of operation.
CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, disclosed this during a one-day media capacity training workshop for journalists in Warri, Delta State. He stated that the projects were executed through a governance model that ensures transparency and accountability.
“We also contribute to the sustainable development of the communities where we operate. The Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development, was pioneered by CNL in 2005.
“Currently, we are working with relevant government and community stakeholders to transition to the Host Community Development Trusts under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Through Chevron’s Foundation and the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), we are impacting hundreds of lives in the Niger Delta and supporting economic empowerment in the region,” he added.
Chevron reiterated its dedication to supporting the development of the media industry in Nigeria through programs, including the capacity training workshop held at the premises of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE).
Oduselu, who was represented by Chevron’s Communication Representative, Mr. Praise Saheed Akinbola, emphasized the significant role of the media in shaping public opinion and setting the agenda. He highlighted Chevron’s various initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of journalists, including the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills program in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University, which has benefited over 120 journalists since its inception in 2014.
He noted that Chevron remains committed to making investments that will deliver transformative returns, particularly in its areas of operation.
Oduselu also stressed that Chevron’s vision is to be the global energy company most desired for its people, partnerships, and performance, noting that providing energy is essential to modern life.
In his address, Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Victor Okpomor, thanked Chevron for sponsoring the training, stating that the knowledge gained from the workshop would help improve the quality of oil and gas reportage in the region.
Okpomor assured that media practitioners in the region would continue to collaborate with international oil companies (IOCs), particularly Chevron, in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The event featured lectures from notable speakers, including Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, who emphasized the crucial role of the media in educating the public about environmental degradation and its associated health hazards.
Other speakers included Dr. Majority Oji and Dr. Mrs. Favour Atubi, who discussed the importance of balanced reporting and the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), respectively.
