Following the successful renegotiation of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, Keffes communities and the Bayelsa State government, the parties last Monday signed the renewed GMOU document.

In a colourful ceremony held at Sasun Hotel, Port Harcourt, both the government and community representatives applauded the GMoU describing it as a veritable tool for advancing community-driven development in the Niger Delta communities.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Maxwell Okoh commended the cordial relationship between the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture and its neighbouring Keffes communities and confirmed that it was evident that the GMoU Community Engagement concept was appreciated by the communities.

Hon. Okoh, who was represented by a director in the Ministry, Engr. Christmas James Brass, charged the community members to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the area to enhance opportunities for sustainable development of the community.

According to him, “government appreciates situations of peace and harmonious existence in the state and it is only such situations that can facilitate speedy development.”

Thanking the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for its commitment to the development of communities around its operational areas through the GMoU  model, he advised other oil companies to emulate the company, stressing, “You do not need the community to drag you to initiate development in the areas where you operate.”

Also speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, HRH Jeremiah T.C Leghemo, the Amananawei of Koluama I community thanked the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for the GMoU initiative stating that the initial skepticism concerning the GMoU has since transformed into appreciation of the governance structure it establishes in community development.

He remarked, “It was Chevron that first introduced the GMoU in the oil industry. All other companies have now started various versions of their own GMoU. But Chevron has not failed on its obligations and commitment to the GMoU agreement with the communities.” Congratulating the new executive members of Keffes Communities Regional Development Committee under the GMoU, he implored them to see their nomination by their people as opportunity to serve with honesty, transparency and accountability.

Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Femi Odumabo, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited noted that the signing of the renewed GMoU was another turning point in the company’s commitment to strengthen the GMoU as a vehicle for sustainable socio-economic development in communities around its operations.

Odumabo, who was represented by Mr. Joe Jakpa, Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Eastern Operations Area, noted that through the GMoU the Keffes Regional Development Committee has undertaken several infrastructural projects including electricity, water projects, sanitation, skills acquisition programme for the youths and others.

He stated, “The successes recorded in the implementation of the GMoU in Keffes communities and other clusters of communities bordering our operations in the Niger Delta region have shown that with proper support, through capacity building and funding, these communities could actually drive their own development process.”