Chevron Nigeria Limited has expressed commitment to lowering carbon emission and reducing gas flaring in Nigeria.
Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of the oil company disclosed this on Thursday, at a one day media capacity building programme organized for Journalists in Warri.
The event was held at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Oduselu who was represented by CNL’s Communications Representative, Mr. Akinbola Shaheed Praise, said, “ Through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 97% in the past 10 years in CNL’s operations.”
He noted that CNL’s vision is to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance.
According to him, “We believe that energy is essential to modern life, and providing that energy is a profound responsibility. Our purpose is to develop the affordable, reliable, ever-ckeaner energy that enables human progress around the world”.
While noting that the programme was organized by CNL to improve the professional capacity of its media stakeholders with a view to build a lasting partnerships with them.
Stating that CNL is always open for dialogue and further discussions with Journalists requiring clarifications on a story that directly affects the company or the oil and gas industry.
“You can always reach the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, or our Communications team led by Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, CNL’s Manager Communications, with your enquiries.
“I encourage you to continue to make your mark in the narrative of Nigeria and her multidimensional development, while maintaining the ethical principles that guide your noble profession.”
Meanwhile, Journalists have been urged to report with objectivity issues relating to the environment and the oil and gas sector respectively.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area,Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh noted with dismay the increase in what he termed “urban slums”.
The University don said urban slum is very visible at the Mechanic village of the Nigerian Army, 3 Battalion in Effurun.
He stressed that with the population human beings, about 12 people stay in one room. “It’s an urban slum. Go to Ogbe-Ijoh, the slum that’s emerging in Warri is urban challenge.”
Prof. Rim-Rukeh stated that the environment have been degraded pointing out that there are environmental issues such as lost in biodiversity, deforestation, pollution, transportation problems, indiscriminate dumping of refuse,oil spillages, water pollution, and others to report on by the Journalists.
According to him, there are a lot of environmental issues. You have a lot of work to do.”
Prof. Rim-Rukeh said the Journalists should let the people how to behave environmentally through their reportage.
He pointed that there environmental laws but the implementation is a problem just as he opined that the tradition means should be adopted in the protection of the environment amongst others.
The Head of Department, Mass-Communication, Delta State University, Abraka, Associate Prof. Majority Oji said the international Oil Companies are playing a role that’s not favorable to Nigeria and its people.
He spoke on the topic, “Repositioning the media for effective and efficient reportage of the IOC’s and Host Communities”.
He said Journalists should do in depth reporting to expose the activities of the IOC’s.
He also charged media establishments to post reporters/correspondents to specific beats to report issues with expertise.
Dr (Mrs ) F.O. Atubi of the Department of Social Science Education, Delta State University, Abraka also delivered a lecture on the topic, “Host Communities: Social Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the post GMoU era.
The event was organized by Chevron Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel.
