Oborevwori tasks oil firms and hosts communities to engage in dialogue

Oil corporations and host communities have been asked by Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to resolve conflicts through conversation rather than confrontation.

Chevron Nigeria Limited’s management, led by Senior Corporate Affairs Advisor, Chevron International, Exploration and Production for Africa Region, Engr Esimaje Brikins, was given the duty by Governor Oborevwori during a courtesy visit to Government House in Asaba.

While thanking Mr. Esimaje Brikins on his recent appointment, the governor assigned his successor the responsibility of conducting an investigation into the operations and interactions with stakeholders and host communities.

He issued a warning that he would not support host communities closing oil facilities and that he would not put up with the oppression of the populace by oil firms.

He said: “I believe you must have understanding of the terrain you operate. Chevron has been managing the place for a long time. It didn’t start today.

“My advise to the man who is taking over from you, is to go and look at the history of Chevron. I will not allow any community to go and shut down any of the oil stations. It’s something that I will not take. They know I will not take it. I will not also allow the oil companies to also oppress our people. They must keep to the MOU because when you keep to it, it also helps.

“The most important thing that would make you succeed is your engagement with the people and create a lot of awareness.

“It is only good that you dialogue than confrontation. I believe in dialogue than confrontation. So your coming here, I am very happy. It shows that we will work together and that there is understanding between the government and the company.”

Brikins had already commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership, involvement with the community, and attempts to stabilize the area, all of which had improved Chevron’s operations as well as the state and national economies.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for supporting Chevron and other oil firms working in Delta State, stating that Chevron has been a part of the state for more than 50 years.

He emphasized Chevron’s goal to strengthen linkages with local communities and its impact on them through contracting possibilities and employment development.

“It’s not been very easy doing business and I can tell you the Governor of Delta State has been instrumental to ensuring that we continue to sustain our operations here. If you look at the area of activities in the oil industry today,

“Chevron is one of the very few international oil companies that still fully sustains operations on land in the near offshore area, and in the deep water area.

“The Governor has been a very strong supporter in this story that I have just painted.

“It could sound so easy but to sustain your operations where others are struggling to stay afloat tells a great story of the kind of support that we get from the government and the entire government of Delta State.

“We recognize the fact that our operations here bring significant revenue to the state by way of taxes, but of course, that’s secondary.

“The willingness to ensure that there is always peace to grow it goes beyond whatever revenue that will come because where there is peace, then you can think about expansion and that is what we continue to enjoy from the kind of support that we get from the Delta State government.

“Our presence here brings significant returns to the communities where we operate and we are looking forward to ensuring that we improve on those relationships.

“We are very optimistic that my successor will continue to keep that mantle and sustain that relationship in a way that will not disappoint stakeholders.

“We know that your heart is very very close to the communities because you understand the communities much more than any one of us here can think of.