CSR: Chevron spends $25m on Nigeria’s education system

Chevron Nigeria Limited has said that its company had spent over $25 million since 2004 in Nigeria’s Educational system in providing scholarships, building classrooms, buying textbooks and supplies.

The company disclosed this figure at the Exhibition/Prize-Giving ceremony of the eleventh edition of the 2016 National Art Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools in Asaba, Delta State.

In his address, the General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited Mr. Deji Haastrup said that power of  art lies in the way it propel imagination in the human mind.

According him, an artist brings to life what has already been created in the mind; this requires deep thinking and extensive imagination skill.

“The National Art Competition is, for us, an enduring investment in education and our contribution yo the growth and sustenance of creative arts in Nigeria by nurturing the interest of students in the related courses.

It is also an investment aimed at improving the lives of our young star now and in the future even as we continue to inculcate in them the virtue of healthy competition. This is how we reward the winner with scholarship” he explained

Mr Deji who delighted over the theme this year’s edition “Waste in Wealth” in order to stimulate the creative and problem solving goldmine in their kid-artists, noting that this also in line with their commitment, as a company, to continue to undertake activities that would create wealth for Nigerians and contribute to the growth of the economy.

He said “ we are encouraged by the strides that past winners of this competition are making in their respective endeavours. Many of them are currently studying art related course in various schools in and outside the country. Through this competition, some have become more convinced about their artist endowments”

Speaking at the occasion, the Group General Manager NAPIMS, Mr Dafe Sejebor who was represented by Mrs Celestina Arubi thanked the Joint Venture Partnership, Chevron Nigeria Limited for their commitment to this competition and the management and teachers of the schools that participated in the competition.

“I believe that art is part of our everyday life. Many of us perform artistic roles at one time or the other without even knowing it. To our young ones that are being celebrated today, my message to you is to hone your talent and become exceptional among your peers”

NAPIMS will continue to partner with Chevron and  other relevant stakeholders to ensure that we contribute to the growth and development of the young minds in our country, especially in the area of education, health and economic empowerment.

In her remark, the first Lady of the state, Dame Edith Okowa also thanked the organizers of the competition, saying that this theme is apt and timing especially in a time of economic recession.

She said that art is a cold that waiting to tap, charging other corporate organisations to emulate Chevron and NNPC social responsibility.

“Don’t allow anybody to truncate your dream” first Lady urged the students.

However, the Joint Venture in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education initiated the National Art Competition for secondary school students in 2004 and so far invested over $25 million in Nigeria’s educational system.

The high point of the ceremony was presentation of awards to 20 students and 18 teachers from various school across the country that participated at the exhibition.