Business
Amaechi Commissions Ultra Modern ICT Centre … Rates Zenith Bank High
The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says the establishment of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt would help to increase business activities in the state.
Governor Amaechi stated this Wednesday in Port Harcourt at the official Commissioning of the Ultra-Modern Information, Communications and Technology Centre, donated by Zenith Bank Plc, to the state government, saying that the idea behind the establishment of the centre was completely that of the Managing Director of the Bank, Jim Ovia.
He expressed the hope that ICT, beyond its negative uses in Nigeria where some persons use it to perpetrate fraud, was an avenue to interact globally, and could serve as a place for people to go and study computer or ICT in the state.
The State Chief Executive, who expressed confidence in the relationship between the state government and Zenith Bank, said the government would discuss with the bank to see if they can partner in the management of the centre.
Governor Amaechi noted that the people of Rivers State were grateful to the Bank for her contributions towards the growth of the economy of the state, adding that their friendship with the state government would continue.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who represented the Group Managing Director, Mr Jim Ovia, said the fully equipped Information Communications and Technology (ICT) centre was donated by the Bank to the Rivers State Government as part of its social responsibility programme, as well as its cardinal policy to show gratitude to the Rivers Community for providing an enabling environment for business to strive in the state,
Mr Emefiele said the establishment of the centre was anchored on Governor Amaechi’s vision for the development of the state, based on active corporate involvement under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme.
He also said the centre is aimed at enhancing government’s development aspirations since ICT is development, and assured the Governor of their commitment to continue the partnership.
Meanwhile, Zenith Bank Plc has been placed on “B” rating for its high level of transparency in its partnership with the Rivers State Government.
Making the pronouncement, midweek, at the official commissioning of the information, communication and Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, the state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said by this feat, the bank has earned being awarded mega developmental projects.
According to the governor, in addition to the commissioned ICT centre donated by the bank, the finance institution is partnering with the state government in some on-going projects in the state.
In appreciation of the donation of ICT centre, Amaechi promise that the government would take care of the paying of salaries to employees of the centre.
He also promised the bank plots of land along Omagwa and Isiokpo area of the state as part of the state government’s contribution for a modern school promised by the bank to support government’s effort in restoring the standard of education in the state.
Governor Amaechi called on other banks and organizations in the private sector in the state to emulate Zenith Bank Plc in its partnership with government to develop the state.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Managing Director of the bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele thanked Governor Amaechi for providing the platform and stirring the interest of the private sector to contribute to improve the lives of the people in the state.
Mr Emefiele also thanked governor Amaechi and the entire people of the state for their unalloyed support and unwavering confidence on the private sector over their years of operation in the state.
He said the support was instrumental to the donation of the fully equipped (ICT) centre to the government and the good people of Rivers State.
According to him, the project is part of the bank’s cardinal policies to show gratitude to the community that has provided an enabling environment for the bank to render services.
Enoch Epelle
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.