Indigenes of Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State took a bold step on Wednesday by setting up the shrine of a fearsome idol in front of the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) facility. The move was in protest against the alleged non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by the multinational company.
The protesters, carrying placards and blocking the facility’s entrance, explained that the idol, known as “Ogbejugbele,” posed no physical threat to Chevron staff. Its presence symbolized their ancestors’ displeasure with the company’s actions.
They declared their resolve to remain at Chevron’s facilities until the federal government ensures that the oil multinational fulfills their demands. Among the 41 demands presented was the insistence on Chevron’s compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Ikpere Host Community PIA, as stipulated by the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC). They also demanded employment opportunities for the youths and people of Ugborodo and Itsekiri indigenes.
During an interview with the press, Helen Uremure, a prominent woman leader in the community, emphasized that the protest stemmed from Chevron’s failure to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities to the community. She lamented the absence of tangible benefits from Chevron’s 60-year existence in their midst.
“We have not received anything from Chevron. No employment, no contract. Even our elders, there is nothing to support them. They’re cheating on us,” she expressed passionately.
Julie Iwetan, another concerned indigene, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the pervasive hunger and suffering experienced by the people of Ugborodo. A youth, Ukueyinden Ajuetsi, emphasized the community’s lack of basic amenities, such as potable water and electricity, coupled with the prevailing scarcity of employment opportunities.
Joseph Ireyefoju, a community leader, called attention to the ongoing maintenance work at the facility, pointing out that Chevron had overlooked the indigenes of Ugborodo community by hiring external workers, thereby disregarding the local content law.
The leaders of the peaceful protest, including Augustine Iyinbo, reiterated their determination not to leave until Chevron fulfills its obligations, underscoring the resoluteness of their stance.
This demonstration serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for oil corporations to honor their commitments to the communities they operate in, ensuring that the benefits of their presence are equitably distributed. It also underscores the urgency of implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address the grievances of local communities.
