Chevron Nigeria Limited has reiterated its commitment to improving the professional skills of journalists, particularly those reporting on developments in the oil and gas sector.
The company made this known on Monday in Asaba, Delta State, during a media capacity-building workshop organised in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.
Speaking on behalf of Chevron’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, the company’s Communications Manager, Victor Anyaegbudike, said the media plays an important role in promoting transparency and helping the public understand the activities of the energy industry.
He said journalists need adequate knowledge and professional skills to report accurately on the complex issues surrounding the oil and gas sector.
Anyaegbudike also highlighted Chevron’s contributions to Nigeria through local contracting, employment, supplier development and other Nigerian Content initiatives. According to him, the company spends an average of more than $1bn annually on Nigerian suppliers.
He said Chevron had also supported community development through initiatives such as the Global Memorandum of Understanding and the transition to Host Community Development Trusts under the Petroleum Industry Act.
On media development, Anyaegbudike said Chevron’s Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills programme, organised in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University, had trained more than 120 journalists since its launch in 2014.
He added that more than 425 journalists in Lagos, Asaba, Abuja and Warri had been trained through Chevron’s collaboration with the NUJ over the past three years.
The NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Churchill Oyowe, commended Chevron for the initiative, describing the workshop as an opportunity for journalists to gain deeper knowledge of the oil and gas industry.
Oyowe said better understanding of the sector would enable journalists to provide the public with accurate, balanced and responsible information.
Chevron said it would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism and improving public understanding of Nigeria’s energy industry.
