Egbema Chiefs Direct Chevron Nigeria Limited to take Urgent Action to implement their Core Corporate Social Responsibility To Egbema offshore Communities
By Wilson Macaulay
Warri, Delta State –
In a decisive move to address longstanding grievances, Chiefs of Egbema kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State invited by Chevron Nigeria Limited led by Chief Oyibo Sobo, have Directed Chevron Nigeria Limited to take immediate and urgent action to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments towards the Egbema offshore communities without further vacuum for controversies.
This firm directive was handed over to Chevron Nigeria Limited as tensions mount over the perceived neglect of critical development needs in the Egbema offshore Communities .
The directive was issued after a crucial meeting was held on the 27th of November 2024 at the Chevron’s main office in Warri, where representatives of the Egbema offshore communities presented their demands with compelling evidence of written letters
of the corporation’s lapses of Chevron Nigeria Limited in fulfilling its CSR obligations towards the Egbema offshore Communities.
Comrade Mike JK Tiemo, Who led the Communities representatives presented letters which gave a clear picture of the challenges faced by the Egbema offshore communities despite their significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
Others among those who represented the Egbema offshore Communities includes Mr Timi David, Mr. Morris Anuwo , and Pastor Clifford Atijere, Mr Tony Oniyebrutan etc.
Citing justice, peace, and tranquility as the cornerstones of sustainable development, the Egbema Chiefs urged Chevron to take swift and concrete actions to address these pressing concerns before things will get out of control.
The Egbema Chiefs emphasized that unnecessary delays in fulfilling these commitments by Chevron Nigeria Limited as expected in their letters to the Egbema offshore Communities could further strain relations between the corporation and the host communities.
Speaking during the meeting, after hearing from the two parties, the Egbema offshore Communities and Chevron Nigeria Limited Chief Oyibo Sobo made it clear that the their decision was informed by the overwhelming evidence presented during the deliberations by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo from the Egbema offshore Communities..
The Chiefs in their statement stressed that the Egbema offshore communities have waited long enough and that It is time for Chevron to honor its commitments on the various letters and bring tangible development to the Egbema offshore communities, so that Justice, peace, and tranquility can prevail.
The Chiefs highlighted specific areas of concern, including infrastructure development, educational support, healthcare facilities, and environmental remediation. They noted that addressing these issues is essential not only for the well-being of the communities but also for fostering a harmonious industrial relationship between Chevron and the Egbema offshore host communities.
Chevron Urged to Act Without Delay
The meeting underscored the need for a collaborative approach to resolving these issues. The Chiefs stressed that Chevron’s proactive engagement with the Egbema offshore communities is vital to achieving sustainable development and ensuring a peaceful operating environment for the company.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on Chevron Nigeria Limited to respond to the Chiefs’ directive and demonstrate its commitment to the principles of corporate social responsibility. The Egbema Chiefs have made it clear that they expect timely and meaningful action to address the concerns raised, warning that further inaction could jeopardize the fragile peace in the region.
The resolution reached by the Egbema Chiefs marks a significant turning point in the struggle for justice and equitable development in Warri North LGA. For the Egbema offshore communities, it is a call for long-overdue non compliance to the Egbema offshore Communities legitimate demands.
