Shell Invests N12bn On Projects In Bayelsa

Shell Petroleum Devel
opment Company (SPDC) has declared that over N12 billion has been invested on GMoU-related projects in Bayelsa State since 2006.
The General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations of the company, Mr. Nedo Osanyande stated this last Tuesday during the official commissioning of a landing craft project built for Agbidiama community in Bayelsa State, at Kidney Island, Port Harcourt under the GMoU scheme.
Osanyande who said the project was executed by Tarakiri Custer Development Board in partnership with SPDC noted that “the sum of N1.84 billion is being invested by SPDC JV annually to deliver community development projects in the state”.
The Shell boss who restated the strong comment of SPDC to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region said the company would continue to seek ways to improve its relationship with host communities.
He commended the successes recorded by the Tarakiri Cluster Development Board and further revealed that since inauguration of the board four years ago, the oil giant has spent over N600m under the GMoU agreement.
Stating that the investment would bring more income generating projects and programmes to the community and improve the living standard of the people. Mr. Osanyande remarked that partnership that engage the combined strength of companies, government and civil societies yield better and more sustainable results and advised the people to protect and make the best use of the projects to improve their living conditions.
The Chairman of Tarakiri Cluster Development Board, Dr Jude Ebibokefie disclosed that from inception of the GMoU in Tarakiri Cluster to date, a total number of sixteen projects and programmes were contracted out.
“Five were commissioned in 2011 while four were completed and also commissioned in 2012 while today our star project is being commissioned”, he said , stressing that in addition to these ten completed projects and programmes, six were on-going.
The Trust Chairman explained that various capacity building workshops had also been organised by the mentoring NGO and assured of transparency, accountability, trust and all-inclusiveness in its dealings.
He declared that the landing craft project cost a total of N37,730 only  for economic empowerment.
Speaking to The Tide, a Board member and Chairman of the Peace and Conflict Committee, High Chief Ebiame Ofonibeinghen said the landing craft was a priority project chosen by the community and disclosed that the community also nominated the company that manufactured the landing craft for the job because of its expertise in boat building.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Fungaowei Emmanuel commended Shell for its implementation of  the GMoU scheme and also lauded the board and the community for taking advantage of the programme to empower the community and improve their well-being.

Chris Oluoh

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (3rd right), conducting the new owner of Tinapa Business and Leisure Limited and Chief Executive of AMCOM, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi Mustapha (2nd left), round the facility shortly after a media interaction in Calabar, recently..