Group photo of some of the participants of the Capacity Building programme on Tuesday
By Samuel Ogude
Chevron Nigeria Limited, an oil and gas company in Nigeria said, it continues to partner with the media for speedy growth and development of the society. The organization made this known on Tuesday at the media capacity building programme in partnership with Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu said, Chevron is much aware that such capacity building would enhance the performance of media practitioners in their duties. According to him, the organization is much aware that the success of the larger society would translate to the success in business of the organization just as it believes in long- term to add value to the society and stakeholders. He said, Chevron supports Nigeria Content Development by providing employment to Nigerians and contract opportunities in all the projects up to an estimated annual average of over $ 1 billion.
His words:” CNL seeks to make human investments that deliver long- term transformative returns. This is achieved through our Nigerian Content Development activities…” Mr. Olusoga Oduselu who was represented by Mr. Akinbola Saheed Praise, said, the organization had previously organized, in 2023 and 2024 training programme in the three zones namely: Lagos, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and by the end of the 2025, the organization would have succeeded to have trained over 400 Journalists in the country saying that, the company has to do that as the role of Journalists as Agenda-setter and opinion molders in the society cannot be over emphasized.
He said, the organization has continued to contribute to the sustainable development of the various communities of its operations as its legal Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community led participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development has helped in no small way in the development of the various communities. According to him, the organization is one of highest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in the nation among international oil companies as it is able to lower carbon emission and reduce gas flare in the country. His words: Through investment in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 97% in the 10 years in CNL’s operations”.
“Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-clever energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world…”He expressed gratitude for the journalists who have been reporting the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspective on the industry’s operations”.
On his part, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe said, no doubt, the partnership is for Journalists to have more knowledge in reportage. According to him, journalism is a tool for development and solution- focused, not crisis generator. He said, if journalists are well managed by relevant authorities in the society, they would put in their best as their inputs would be of great benefits to the society. His words:” I believe that this training section would go a long way in strengthening capacity of our members”. He therefore expressed gratitude for Chevron Nigeria Limited for the partnership in this regard.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Okpomor Victor said the workshop is organized for journalists to upgrade in the profession. According to him, the day’s workshop is loaded with lots of topics which include the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance reportage and host of others. He therefore expressed gratitude to the Chevron for the partnership as any time the union informs it of the need for such training, it always responds positively. He also thanked High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo for proving the edifice for Warri NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel – a platform which made it possible for Journalists to carry out their work effectively.
The programme featured lectures titled:” Roles of the Media In Strengthening Relationship Between the IOCs and Host Communities” was delivered by Dr. (Mrs) F. O Atubi of Delta State University Abraka, PIA: “Roles of the Media In Educating the Host Communities” by Prof. Majority Oji, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, and IOCs: “Importance of AI and Fact-check in the 21st Century Media Reportage” by Mr. Phillip Enu Nwosu. The highlight of the programme was questions and answers and the presentation of certificates to the participants in the programme.