Diri Lauds FG As Buhari Commissions 17-storey NCDMB Headquarters In Yenagoa

*Governor Tasks Agip On Operational Base

BY IBRAHIM BAKARE

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the completion and commissioning of the 17-storey headquarters of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, represented the President at the virtual commissioning of the iconic Nigerian Content Tower as well as a 10-megawatt gas-fired independent power plant at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Governor Diri, in a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the imposing structure had not only significantly improved the aesthetics and landscape of the capital city, but also aligned with the urban renewal policy of his Prosperity Administration.

While congratulating the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote, his team and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) on the successful completion of the project, the governor particularly called on NAOC to relocate its headquarters to Yenagoa, saying a greater percentage of its operations were domiciled in the state.

He assured the oil firm of his government’s readiness to dialogue and partner with it.His words: “I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the President and the Federal Government for providing the strong political will and backing, which is essential for such a humongous undertaking to be concluded so timeously.

“At the same time, let me express my warm congratulations to the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, and his entire team for the successful completion of this magnificent tower, which I am informed is the tallest building in the South-South and South-East of Nigeria.

“Without doubt, this edifice is a clear testament to what we as a people can accomplish with judicious planning and focused execution. It was a bold and ambitious venture. But given the outstanding pedigree of Simbi, we could not have expected anything less.”This structure not only significantly improves the aesthetics of our city and profoundly advances its landscape, it also fully aligns with the urban renewal policy of the Prosperity Administration. It represents a useful benchmark to set our targets as a state against.”It is further worth mentioning that this landmark project was executed by an indigenous construction company.

In his remarks, President Buhari of Nigeria said the NCDMB headquarters building in the Bayelsa State capital would serve as magnet for investments and an enabler for employment opportunities.

The President also said the magnificent edifice brings to the fore the significance of local content in the country.He described it as one of his government’s enduring infrastructural legacies and landmark of reference in the heart of the Niger Delta, signposting years of oil and gas exploitation.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, on his part, described the commisioning of the building as an emotional moment having been the governor that allocated the land for the project in 2012 but which foundation was laid in 2015 when he was out of office.Chief Sylva said the structure had demonstrated that skyscrapers could be built in the Niger Delta and exhibited the ingenuity of indigenous contractors if given the opportunity.

He also pointed out that the construction of the 10-megawatts gas power plant in partnership with NAOC was aimed at servicing the new NCDMB industrial park, which he said would unlock the opportunities in the country’s gas resources.

The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Wabote, said the 70-metre building, which stands on a ground floor area of 30,000 square metres represented hope for the people.

According to him, the gigantic structure is the tallest building in the South-South and South East parts of the country and had a multi-level car park, 1,000-seater conference room and other impressive features.

Wabote stated that the main contractor and several other sub-contractors with over 95% manpower were Nigerians, including 76% of materials used in the execution of the project were sourced locally.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege were among other dignitaries that joined the virtual commissioning ceremonies.