Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its committed to advancing investment in Nigeria with a key focus on environmental sustainability.
The Company said it is also committed to advancing a lower carbon future that meets the global needs of all people, through affordable and reliable, ever-cleaner energy towards achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world.
Chevron Nigeria’s Chairman and Managing Director, Rick Kennedy, stated this at the 21st Chief S. L. Edu Memorial Lecture, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, themed: “Humanity and the Twin Crises of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss.”
Kennedy noted that Chevron’s approach to sustainability is highlighted by its commitment to protecting the environment, empowering its people, and always getting results the right way.
“I would also urge every one of us to make a personal commitment to preserving our environment which is more threatened now than ever before. I believe that with the right sensitization and advocacy, we can collectively protect our earth,” he said.
In this regard, he said CNL has enjoyed its partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and would continue to provide support and contribute to nature conservation and sustainable development of Nigeria.
“This partnership has produced commendable projects geared towards conserving our environment and building Nigeria’s economy. One of the projects is the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), built with funds provided by Chevron Corporation in 1992 as a reserved sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula.
“Today, the LCC has become one of Africa’s most prominent and most diverse urban parks. It is also known as a safe habitat for several species of plants and animals going extinct and has attracted several educational researchers,” he said.
The LCC continues to serve as a biodiversity conservation icon and environment education, as about 36,000 visitors including local and foreign tourists were recorded at the Centre in Lagos from January to date.
“Chevron is glad to be associated with this enduring vision on nature and environmental protection,” Kennedy added.
He commended the President and members of the Board of Trustees, the NEC, management, and staff of the NCF for sustaining Edu’s vision and making the NCF a stronger institution and a foremost authority in nature conservation in Nigeria and beyond.
CNL is also committed to advancing a lower carbon future that meets the global needs of all people, through affordable and reliable, ever-cleaner energy towards achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world.
Environment conservation
In 2005, CNL began supporting a yearly postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the NCF. So far, 36 PhD students have benefited from the grant since its inception.
CNL also partners with the Lagos State Government and NCF to sponsor an annual environmental awareness programme, tagged: Walk for Nature, to create awareness and promote nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.
CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, also noted that for over 60 years, Chevron has remained an active agent of sustainable development and a strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment.
Chevron recognizes the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity. “We have a long history of working in collaboration with communities, industry groups, regulators, and conservation groups to identify and protect biodiversity everywhere we operate,” he said.
A representative of the late Chief S.L. Edu’s family, Kola Edu, commended Chevron Nigeria for its continued support of the NCF and commitment to environmental sustainability in the country.
He said: “Without Chevron, NCF will not be here today. Thank you for being ahead of the curve in driving this noble course of environmental sustainability over 21 years ago when it was not a popular subject of discussion.”
Similarly, the Chairman, National Executive Council (NEC), of the NCF, Efe Dafinone, also commended Chevron Nigeria for sponsoring the Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture for the past 21 years, and appreciated the successive leadership for upholding the “S.L. Edu legacy”.
