News
Oil Coys, Communities Sign Renewed GMoU
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.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports4 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries