The risk of annual flooding in Edjeba Community is now mitigated with the commissioning of a 500-meter drainage system funded by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

The project was executed under CNL’s Project Specific Agreement (PSA) and awarded by the Edjeba community to one of its own, Pyrammidt Company Nigeria Ltd in December 2017. Beneficiaries of the drainage project include not only members of the community, but the thousands of users of the Edjeba road linking the NPA expressway.

“This occasion demonstrates yet another example of the NNPC/CNL JV’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people in our operational areas and beyond,” Esimaje Brikinn, Chevron’s general manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, who joined other dignitaries in commissioning the project, said.

Brikinn, who was represented by Tony Emegere, the CNL PGPA’s superintendent, attributed the success of the project to the support of the  Edjeba community whomanaged and created the enabling atmosphere for the successful execution of the project and the Delta State government for approvals as well as nominating representatives to serve in the project implementation committee. “Through partnership with the government of Delta State as well as community stakeholders, we have been adding significant values to people’s lives through our Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement initiatives.””This is the trail of goodness we leave behind in every community where weoperate, and we congratulate the Edjeba community for successfully completing this Drainage System Project,” he said.

Brikinn urged members of the community to maintain the facility, adding that;”The effectiveness of a drainage system is dependent on the maintenance of the system. It is our hope that the drains would be kept clear of silt and dirt at all times so as to ensure that the excess water is always carried away.”

O. Okujere, a representative of the Delta State government at the occasion, who’s the director, Governor’s Office Annex in Warri, described as heart-warming the commencement and eventual completion of the project. He appreciated CNL/NNPC JV’s commitment to its social responsibility to communities by giving back through projects which are targeted at improving the social condition of members. He urged other citizens and corporate organizations to emulate the sponsors in improving infrastructure development in host communities.“It is the desire of government to see other corporate entities emulating Chevron Nigeria Limited,” he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Ikpuri, the high chief at the Unur’ovwodo of Edjeba, commended CNL/NNPC JV, elders and council of chiefs and Edjeba community executive led by Kingsley Okekeri for the project’s success. Ikpuri was accompanied by other chiefs including Isaac Emifoye, Francis Ikpuri, the eldest member of Edjeba community otherwise called the Olotu of Agbarha kingdom and Felix Tughele Ogri, among others. He, however, appealed to the community executive to quickly initiate another project, saying the Edjeba was lagging behind in infrastructure development the comity of communities.

The occasion was graced by women of the community who entertained guests with a cultural performance. Victoria Powo, a leader of the women, expressed joy at the completion of the project which she said has halted the perennial flooding in the area. “I’m happy because when water was over flooding the place, it destroyed many things so with this drainage, water will not over flood Edjeba again.”

“We are very happy, we thank God, we give him all the glory and honour. We pray that all other oil companies will be doing like this for their host communities,” Powo said. Other projects sponsored by CNL for non-GMoU communities include:  e-library at Ubeji; Ekpan Women Development Centre; Ekpan Surgical Theatre/Call Rooms project; Aruakpor-Umah Road Electricity project;Edjeba Solar Powered Water project;Osubi Solar Powered Water project and NYSC Science Teachers’ program at Ekpan Secondary School, among others.

– Oct. 2, 2018 @ 17:52 GMT |