By John Ikani
SAIPEM Daewoo Unincorporated Joint Venture (SDUJV), in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Wednesday commissioned and handed over a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre to Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS), Bonny, in a joint effort to foster digital education in the community.
Facilities at the Centre include 31 units of personal computers, software, high-performance servers, a security system (Advanced Firewall), videoconferencing equipment, an interactive screen, and power backup.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Bonny, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said, “The Centre represents more than just computers and Internet facilities and accessories. It’s a symbol of progress and a direct response to past challenges.”
According to him, “We envision this Centre as a launchpad for the students of Bonny National Grammar School. It is equipped to empower them with essential skills, fostering innovation and preparing them to thrive in our technology-driven world.”
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Manager, Midstream Operations of the Board, Mr. Patrick June, stressed that the Centre brings tangible benefits to youths and able-bodied men and women from the oil- and gas-producing community, which should be grabbed to enhance development.
He expressed the confidence of the Board and SDUJV that “the facility will not only elevate the quality of education within these walls but will also contribute to a brighter future for the Niger Delta and our nation as a whole.”
SDUJV, for its part, stated that the initiative, which entailed the supply, installation and commissioning of 31 sets of workstations and power generation, was borne out of the need to execute a capacity development programme in the community in line with corporate social responsibility.
“Our principal goal,” the company’s spokesperson emphasised, “is to positively impact Bonny community by enhancing ICT access, awareness and fostering skills development among its youths.”
The Principal of the school, Mr. Gift Nweke, expressed profound appreciation to SDUJV and the NCDMB for the donation of such a facility to the school, and assured that students would make the best use of them.
In closing remarks, Mr. Taridouye Gagariga, Manager, NCDMB Properties, urged the school management to ensure the equipment are well protected and to encourage residents of the community to come in and make use of them.
The NCDMB team at the event included Mr. Pius Waritimi, Supervisor, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Mr. ErefaghaKieriseiye, Officer, ICT Enterprise Systems and Hardware Consumables.
