RSG, Communities Laud Shell For Keeping Promises

For keeping promises made in 2006 to deliver sustainable development projects to communities in Abua/Odual and Akuku Toru local government areas impacted by the Eastern Gas Gathering System (EGGS-2) Project, the Rivers State Government has given Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) a path on the back for surpassing expectations.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, who expressed government’s feelings at the projects close-out ceremony last Tuesday in Port Harcourt, scored Shell high for completing every project listed in the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the communities as part of the EGGS-2 Project without any legacy issues.

Danagogo said that the sincerity of purpose and transparency exhibited by the company during the execution phase of the EGGS-2 project ensured that excellent quality sustainable development projects were delivered to the communities, saying that it was therefore not surprising that the impacted communities were exceedingly happy with Shell at the completion the projects.

The commissioner thanked the communities for partnering with government to create the enabling environment for business to thrive, and commended Shell and its contractor, Daewoo Nigeria Limited for keeping faith with their corporate social responsibilities, saying that their collective performance was worthy of emulation.

Similarly, the impacted Abua/Odual and Akuku Toru communities have praised Shell for raising the bar in the delivery of sustainable development projects that meet the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.

The Jalama of Ola-ema in Odual Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Temple Macdonald said the excellent performance has granted Shell the social licence to operate in the kingdom as good friend and development partner, and assured that this strategic synergy would result in greater things in future.

Soku Community Trust member, Bright Jeremiah also expressed the appreciation of the people of Soku for the huge positive impact Shell has made in their lives, and promised the community’s readiness to coorperate with the company to ensure smooth operations in the area in the years ahead, especially as stakeholders in the critical Soku Gas Plant.

Also speaking, Madam Youngba Dokubo said the people of Elem-Sangama were satisfied with the number and quality of sustainable development projects executed in their community, and hoped that the strategy would be replicated in the implementation of other projects in the area.

She further called on SPDC to give more job opportunities to women and youths from the oil-bearing communities as a mitigating strategy to reduce criminality, and enhance peaceful atmosphere, as well as increase the capacity of the people to contribute to economic development and social rebirth.

Nelson Chukwudi