By John Ikani
President Muhammadu Buhari has given directives to the contractors handling the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, as well as the Local Content Conference Hotel, to “ensure timely and quality completion of both projects according to their specifications.”
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the president directed the contractors, Julius Berger and MegaStar Technical and Construction Company Limited, to carry their host communities along in executing the projects.
The President, who was represented by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, emphasized the need for the contractors “to comply with the Community Content Guidelines of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB) Act and to build capacities where necessary, to ensure a smooth project delivery.”
He also urged the communities to take ownership and protect the projects.
Delivering his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, expressed his appreciation to the federal government for acceding to the state’s demands, particularly, where the first oil well was struck in Nigeria in 1956.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pledged his readiness to collaborate with the federal government and other stakeholders to turn the projects into reality. He also recommended that the Museum and Research Centre Project be named after Otuabagi Community to avoid any confusion in the future.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Kesiye Wabote, revealed that feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, (EIA) site clearing, and architectural design had already been completed for the projects.
The Executive Secretary acknowledged the efforts of previous governments and organizations in developing the Oloibiri Museum.
He recognized that their inability to progress beyond laying foundation stones had prompted his organization to reflect and provide a robust plan to deliver the project this time around.
While commending the Bayelsa State Government for its support of the projects, Engr. Wabote stated that the contractors had been carefully chosen to ensure that the buildings would be world-class oil and gas tourism destinations.
He also expressed his excitement that the project was finally coming to fruition, after many false starts and deferred hopes.
“This day had been long in coming, but I am super excited it is finally here and is now a reality,” Engr. Wabote said. “I want to commend you for your patience over the years and congratulate our distinguished guests and all stakeholders here present for being part of history.”
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogboku, pledged their support to the realization of the projects.
The Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, His Majesty, King Charles Owaba, and a representative of Otuabagi, Prof. Teddy Adias, expressed gratitude to President Buhari, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, the state government, and the various funding partners for the take-off of the Museum Project.
