By Dayo Johnson Akure

THE   NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture has spent about N17 billion on over 600 development projects  in the last ten years  in five Niger- Delta states.

The states are Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa  and  Delta. General Manager,    Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrup, disclosed  this at the signing   of the renegotiated GMoU among the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture.

The signing of the GMoU was between the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, the Delta and Ondo State Governments and Egbema-Gbaramatu and Ilaje communities.

Haastrup  said the programmes are in the    health and education sectors, economic development and local capacity building. He added that it  include, scholarships (over 40,000 beneficiaries), agriculture, medical centers and supplies, school buildings, water projects, bridges, town halls, housing units, jetties, drains, and roads.

The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Professor Claudius Daramola, applauded the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for collaborating with  government to bring sustainable development to the people of the Niger Delta.

Daramola urged the people to continue to uphold fairness and transparency in the projects and programmes implementation. He pledged the commitment of the Niger Delta Ministry to advancing the development efforts of the Regional Development Committees. The Secretary to  Ondo State Government, SSG, Dr Rotimi Adelola, and Delta State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Peter Mrakpor, praised the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture  for  providing funds for community development through the GMoU. Also, the Chairmen of  Ilaje Regional Development Committee and  Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Henry Ehinmola and Micheal Johnny  respectively, implored all stakeholders to adopt the GMoU as a vehicle for socio-economic development of Niger Delta communities.