The Warri South-West Zone of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY) has declared its support for the Employment Committee of Ugborodo Graduates Association (UGA) in its campaign for the permanent employment of 32 Itsekiri Vocational Training Programme (VTP5) workers by Chevron Nigeria Limited.
In a statement signed by UIY Warri South-West Zone Chairman, Comr. Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi, and General Secretary, Comr. Mathew Eyitemi Etchie, the youth body described the prolonged contract status of the workers after more than 13 years of service as unfair and unjust.
UIY said it had reviewed UGA’s recent appeal to Chevron and fully endorsed the association’s demand that the company suspend its ongoing recruitment exercise until the employment status of the affected VTP5 personnel is resolved.
The group argued that the workers have demonstrated competence, gained valuable experience over the years and deserve permanent employment.
The youth body also called on Chevron to honour previous commitments, adopt a transparent and equitable recruitment process for qualified host community indigenes, and resolve the matter through dialogue.
UIY further pledged to stand with UGA and the affected workers in every lawful effort aimed at securing justice while urging other stakeholders to support the call.
Read the full UIY Warri South-West Zone press statement below:
UIY WARRI SOUTH-WEST ZONE DECLARES SOLIDARITY WITH UGBORODO GRADUATES ASSOCIATION AND ITSEKIRI VTP5 WORKERS
The Executive Council of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), Warri South-West Zone, under the leadership of Comr. Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi, has carefully reviewed the open appeal issued by the Employment Committee of the Ugborodo Graduates Association concerning the continued non-absorption of the thirty-two (32) Itsekiri Vocational Training Programme (VTP5) personnel into the permanent workforce of Chevron Nigeria Limited.
After a thorough review of the facts presented and the history of this matter, we unequivocally state that we stand firmly with the Ugborodo Graduates Association and the affected Itsekiri VTP5 workers in their pursuit of justice and fairness.
For over thirteen (13) years, these qualified Itsekiri professionals have rendered dedicated and commendable service to Chevron Nigeria Limited and they have contributed significantly to the company’s operations across various facilities. During this period, they have acquired invaluable experience, demonstrated competence, and remained committed to the company’s success. It is therefore difficult to understand why they continue to remain contract personnel while new employees are continually recruited into permanent positions.
As a youth body representing Warri South-West Zone, we consider this situation not merely an employment issue but a matter of fairness to all the host communities whose land and resources have sustained Chevron’s operations for decades. It is unacceptable that qualified sons and daughters of the Itsekiri host communities continue to experience prolonged uncertainty despite years of proven service and previous assurances of permanent employment.
We therefore lend our full support to the demands made by the Ugborodo Graduates Association, particularly the call for Chevron Nigeria Limited to suspend ongoing recruitment exercises until the outstanding issue of the thirty-two (32) Itsekiri VTP5 workers is justly resolved. We also support the call for a transparent, fair, and equitable recruitment process that gives deserving consideration to qualified host community indigenes.
We respectfully urge the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited to honour its previous commitments and demonstrate the principles of fairness and responsible corporate citizenship for which it is globally recognized. Resolving this longstanding issue will not only restore confidence among host communities but also strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between Chevron and the Itsekiri people over the years.
The Executives of UIY Warri South-West Zone wish to make it clear that we are fully prepared to stand with the Ugborodo Graduates Association and the affected VTP5 workers on any method they choose to pursue this issue until this longstanding injustice is addressed.
We’re calling on all well-meaning stakeholders to join their voices and appeal to Chevron Nigeria Limited to do the needful.
This is an opportunity for Chevron Nigeria Limited to reaffirm its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen by taking decisive action that will restore confidence and further strengthen its relationship with the Itsekiri host communities.
Chevron Nigeria Limited, the Itsekiri people have consistently chosen the path of peace and dialogue. We urge you to reciprocate that goodwill by doing what is just and equitable. Let this matter be resolved through fairness rather than avoidable tension. The time to act is now.
Signed
Comr. Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi
Chairman
Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY)
Warri South-West Zone
Comr. Mathew Eyitemi Etchie
General Secretary
Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY)
Warri South-West Zone
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