The inhabitants of Ugborodo Community in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State took a decisive step on Wednesday by erecting the shrine of a formidable deity in front of the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) facility. This unusual action serves as a potent symbol of the community's discontent with Chevron's perceived failure to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Protesters, wielding placards and forming a blockade at the facility's entrance, clarified that the idol, named "Ogbejugbele," posed no threat to Chevron staff. Instead, its presence was intended as a symbolic manifestation of ancestral displeasure towards the company.
Undeterred, the demonstrators declared their resolve to remain within Chevron's facilities until the federal government intervenes and compels the multinational corporation to address their grievances. Among their 41 demands, the protestors specifically called for Chevron to adhere to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Ikpere Host Community PIA, as stipulated by the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC). Additionally, they demanded employment opportunities for the youth and residents of Ugborodo and Itsekiri descent.
In a conversation with reporters, Helen Uremure, a prominent woman leader in the community, elucidated that the protest was a response to Chevron's failure in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities to Ugborodo. Expressing frustration, she highlighted the lack of tangible benefits from Chevron's presence over the past six decades, emphasizing the absence of employment opportunities and contracts.
According to Uremure, Chevron's reluctance to convert qualified graduates from the community into substantive roles has left many relegated to menial labor. Julie Iwetan, another community member, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the prevailing hunger and hardship faced by Ugborodo residents.
Youth representative Ukueyinden Ajuetsi underscored the community's dire need for basic amenities such as clean water and electricity, lamenting the absence of employment opportunities. Joseph Ireyefoju, a community leader, decried Chevron's hiring practices during ongoing maintenance work, alleging a disregard for the local content law.
Augustine Iyinbo, one of the leaders of the peaceful protest, affirmed their unwavering stance, stating, "We will not leave until they (Chevron) do the needful." The demonstration serves as a potent expression of the community's frustration and determination to secure their rights and well-being from the oil multinational.
