Prioritizing PR Over Genuine CSR Initiatives Is Counterproductive, NDYM Leader Tells IOCs

The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has urged Chevron Nigeria Limited and other international oil companies (IOCs) to prioritize corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for their host communities.

Monoyo Edon, Chairman of NDYM’s Delta State chapter, made the call, on Saturday, while condemning the recent vandalism of Chevron pipelines in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye Fields.

Recalls that the group, Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) had recently claimed responsibility for the attack on Chevron’s pipelines in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye Fields.

The Itsekiri youth leader in a statement vehemently condemned the unwarranted attacks, emphasizing however that Chevron’s approach to engagement with Itsekiri communities has been more focused on public relations (PR) rather than genuine CSR.

“PR cannot take the place of CSR,” Edon stressed.

“The neglect of the Itsekiri people’s welfare in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye area is a longstanding issue.

“Chevron has failed to honour its commitments to the host communities and instead deals with a few community leaders who exploit the people”, he alleged.

Edon highlighted the lack of basic amenities, such as hospitals and infrastructure, in the communities.

He called on Chevron and other IOCs to fulfil their promises and engage directly with the community, rather than working through a small group of leaders.

Edon, however recalled how Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III, through his Sole Representative and Liaison Officer to NNPCL and its JV partners, had issued a statement distancing the Itsekiri nation from the action, clarifying that it does not reflect the struggle of the people.