Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa at the weekend urged the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) to prioritise the completion of their development projects in the state.
Diri made the call while inaugurating an ultra-modern Learning Centre and Digital Library Complex jointly funded by the NCDMB, SPDC, ExxonMobil, Total Energies and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Amassoma.
He said timely funding and completion of meaningful projects already awarded by these organizations at the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) and other parts of the state would complement government efforts at engendering infrastructural development of the state.
Represented by his deputy, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor expressed the preparedness of his administration to partner the IOCs and other corporate bodies on big-ticket projects that will make lasting impact in the lives of the people.
He commended NCDMB, SPDC and other financiers for completing the multi-million dollar Learning Centre and Digital Library project, but stressed the need for them to set and stick to the timelines meant for the completion of their projects.
Describing library as strategic to intellectual and research development of every university, the Bayelsa Chief Executive said he was confident that the Management of NDU would sustainably maintain and make best use of the facility.
“It is delightful to be here for this inauguration and I want to thank the NCDMB, the SPDC and its partners who pooled resources together to fund this project.
“Having said that, I want to challenge the partners to do more concerning other hibernating projects in the Niger Delta University and other parts of our state.
“We look forward to further collaboration with the partners; In fact, Bayelsa State is set to partner with you on other projects that will impact on the lives of our people.
“This digital library and learning centre is a shot in the arm of this university. I am confident that the NDU management would properly maintain this edifice.
“For us, the time to give excuses by students for any failure has expired; likewise for lecturers for failure to carry out research.” He said
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the NDU, Prof. Allen Agih, said the project was the largest intervention undertaken by IOCs throughout the history of the institution.
Agih, who expressed gratitude to the sponsors for completing the project, informed that it took 17 years to be completed, after being flagged off in 2007.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Matthew Seiyefa, noted that the well-resourced facility would enhance learning, research and the infrastructural landscape of the academic institution.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, pointed out that the imposing structure was designed to be one of the signature projects in the Niger Delta.
Okunbor said he was pleased at the completion of the project and saluted the collaborative efforts of the management of the NDU, the Bayelsa government, NNPC, NCDMB, NAOC, ExxonMobil.
Speaking through Mrs Edith Lawson, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream, Mr. Bala Wunti, said the establishment of the e-library embodied the spirit of progress and innovation in today’s interconnected world where information is key.
According to the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mrs Elohor Aiboni, the ultra-modern learning centre and digital library also houses a cafeteria, water treatment plant, 500KVA power plant, 33KVA transformer, and among other equipment.