The people of Ugborodo community in Warri South -West Local Government Area of Delta state, have staged a peaceful protest against Chevron Nigeria Limited, alleging neglect and marginalization .
The protesters, who occupied Chevron facilities for the second day vow not to leave the facility until top management of Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, visit Ugborodo to address their demands.
The protesters, mostly youths, carry placards with inscriptions such as “Ugborodo demands her 70% direct chevron slots; “Chevron JV and EGTL belongs to Ugborodo community; “Follow community local content law; “Chevron EGTL PITSTOP please employ our indigenes among others.
Addressing newsmen Chairman of Ugborodo Management Committee, Mr Emmanuel Onuwaje, noted that for over 60 years of Chevron’s operations in the community, they had not carried out any significant project in the community.
Also speaking, Secretary-General of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, Hon. Raymond Pira, lamented that the people of Ugborodo are living in abject poverty ,saying that Chevron has been marginalizing them and their environment are polluted due to Chevron oil exploration.
He added that their youths are jobless ,no contract given to them and Chevron has refused to implement the PIA of Ikpere Host Communities’ Development Trust.which would have taken care of most of their demands.
For his part ,National President of Ugborodo Youths, Wilson Ejeh, stated that Chevron had given them deaf ears over ten years in terms of electricity supply, employment and contracts.
While noting that Ugborodo people are peaceful, he revealed that they have written countless letters to Chevron Nigeria Limited but got no response.
The National Vice Chairman, Laju Udonju, lamented that despite hosting several Chevron facilities such as tank farm and the EGTL, noting that no tangible project is on ground to show their presence in the community.
He added that they need Job , regular electricity supply ,contracts Empowerment for youths and women .
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