EGCDF holds ‘GMoU Process/Peace Building’ meeting with N’Delta communities

By Shina Badmus

The Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), held a town hall meeting on Wednesday, November 27.

The, EGCDF, a Delta State based foundation setup to ensure to the development of riverine communities, said the programme was held to update community stakeholders on the ‘Gmou Process/Peace Building’ of the foundation.

It took place at the TM Palace Hotel, Warri, Delta State.

Stakeholders which included community leaders and elders, were enlightened on the activities of the foundation and progress it had made thus far.

The Chairman, EGCDF, Comrade Jude Ukori said the town hall meeting was an interactive event held to enable the foundation update the people of its progress and activities so far.

According to him, “We did our AGM in June this year but there is again need for us to update the people on the level of our activities so far. This is very important because of communication.

“Two way communication is very important in promoting peace, in promoting development and when there is lack of effective communication, it creates room for more misunderstanding and could even give birth to crisis.”

During the meeting, Ukori pointed out some key progress the foundation has been able to accomplish in the year.

He said the foundation has always tried to ensure that peace reigns between and among member communities and also ensure that their sole sponsor — CNL — enjoys unhindered smooth operations.

He disclosed that the GMoU that governs their relationship with CNL and the Delta State Government was due for review. Hence, it was renegotiated on September 8-14 this year, to come up with an improvement.

Some of the issues reviewed included increasing of funding for the EGCDF by 18%, building of hostel bloc for the Maritime University, Okerenkoko; increment of school scholarship from N20,0000 to N30,000 and payment for tertiary beneficiaries according to course duration as against the 4-year payment irrespective of the course duration.

The Secretary of the Foundation, Comrade Sheriff Mulade said the increment to the EGCDF funding by CNL by 18% although not sufficient was a welcome development (as it affords the organization more chance) to create developmental changes in the communities.

According to him, “We strongly believe that with this little addition we can make some further impact in the various communities. One thing you need to understand is that our communities are much and it is very difficult for us to use this little amount to manage the communities but we will do our best with it.”