Mkpoikana Udoma
Governor Diri also lauded the Board on the ongoing construction of the three-star NCDMB Conference Hotel, which is adjacent to the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower, the corporate headquarters of the Board, noting that the facility, when completed and functional, would add to the tourist attraction of the state.
Diri, who said these when he received the newly appointed Executive Secretary, ES, of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, at the Government House in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, assured the new ES, whom he described as “action-packed,” that the state government would continue to collaborate meaningfully with the Board.
He said: “We have to work together to ensure that your being here will add value to the lives of the people of Bayelsa. The State Government will provide what you need to succeed, we also urged you to explore areas where the Board could facilitate investment and improved business activities in our state.”
The governor further drew the attention of the NCDMB to the long-abandoned multi-storey Bayelsa Tower Hotel in Yenagoa, and revealed that the state government was looking for investors, who would take over the hotel on negotiated terms.
He also pleaded with the NCDMB to ensure that Bayelsa State hosts major events organised by the Board, saying: “Let international conferences be held here in Yenagoa.”
Earlier, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Engr. Ogbe, said the visit was imperative in order to formally introduced himself to the state governor, and also to seek synergy.
Ogbe said he desired collaboration with the State Government, saying, “I want to work closely with you to ensure our projects in Bayelsa State are completed to the mutual benefit of the Board and the State.”
He emphasised his determination to work with the Bayelsa governor, stating, “If we have any difficulty, I’ll always come back to you.”