Jimitota ONOYUME

PORT HARCOURT: Chevron has described the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, engagement model it introduced in 2005 as a way to create robust economies in the Niger Delta region.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Mr Deji Haastrup, made the observation during the commissioning of an estate worth N530 million built by Kula Regional Development Committee, KRDC in Kula.

The project was executed under the GMoU with the NNPC/Chevron Joint venture to promote development in the region.

According to him, the company has recorded several successes under the GMOU arrangement, stressing that with support communities could drive their development pace.

“The successes recorded in the implementation of the GMOU in Kula and in other cluster communities bordering the company’s operations in the Niger Delta region have shown that with adequate support the communities can drive their development process.”

He said the oil giant was working towards introducing what he termed the GMoU+ which would focus on growing local business and creating community empowerment, adding that communities should continue to promote peace for growth and development to thrive.

“GMoU+ is with focus on business development and economic empowerment; third party partnership and collaboration; delivery on the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs; Operational Excellence and Human Rights,” he said.

In their separate speeches, the Chairman of the Kula Regional Development Council, Mr Stanley Benibo, and Chief Charles Opurum, who represented the Rivers State Government also lauded the GMoU model, saying that it has made communities to be actively involved in their development process.