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We awoke to a hazy morning. Then a team of four entered the harrowing Warri morning traffic to drive to a conference call held at Chevron Warri to speak with Chevron execs in Lagos. In the classic Nigerian way, we waited half an hour only to find out we were at the wrong Chevron compound. As we drove into the correct compound across the street, a sign greeted us: Safety first. Seatbelts must be worn regardless of the fact that we had only a few yards to travel on the quite-secure driveway. Bigger problem: the car we were riding in had no seatbelts. Hoping that putting arms across our chests diagonally would suffice, we drove on.

The purpose of the call was to secure Chevron’s participation in the documentary on a variety of levels, and in a number of locations. Much progress was made, with a couple of permissions we’re still working on. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the film crew was busy prepping gear and working out logistics for our upcoming departure to the village. They also gave a photography workshop for volunteers who will be shooting stills and video documenting the making of the documentary. There was also a pre-production meeting with a couple of the movie’s key characters, which was filmed.

During the afternoon, a group of friends from the National Association of Gbaramatu Students (NAGS) dropped by. A few of us spent some time talking with them, getting a feel for what had changed in the Delta since our last visit in November 2005. When asked what they think the film’s focus should be, they responded, “The people, their daily lives. What they eat, what they drink. Are they educated? What do they have for health care?”

Late-breaking news that we should meet with the local traditional leaders (chiefs) found us scrambling to put together transportation. Leaving our room-service dinners uneaten, five of us departed in the Warri dusk for the home of W.O. Okirika, the Traditional Prime Minister of the Gbaramatu clan. Several chiefs and other dignitaries were present, along with many friends and neighbors. We assembled in a dimly lit living room, ceiling fans whirring. With typical Nigerian protocol, each person in the room was introduced, each chief made a little speech, as did two of our team. We were honored not only with the traditional sharing of the kola nut, but the chiefs also “wedged” us, putting cash under the kola. This gesture symbolizes special appreciation and support for our project. With intermittent electricity (whenever it went off, someone would shine a cell phone flashlight, making a little spotlight on the speaker), cell phones ringing constantly and warm hospitality, we were received in typical Nigerian fashion.