09 May 2013, Yenagoa – The Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has, in Yenagoa, inaugurated 10 community development projects in its host communities at Nembe in Bayelsa.
The projects, valued at N355 million include transport-to-wealth scheme, development of infrastructure, water projects, mini-market and a printing press.
The transport-to-wealth scheme has a fleet of 35 vehicles, 10 of which will be used by the Nembe City Development Foundation, NCDF, while 25 will be allocated to benefiting youths from Nembe Kingdom.
In his speech at the occasion, Gov. Seriake Dickson lauded the SPDC for implementing the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, on the projects in partnership with the NCDF.
“With these laudable projects, government has seen that development is coming to our communities,” he said, urging other communities to emulate Nembe communities under the auspices of the NCDF.
Represented by his deputy, retired Rear Admiral John Jonah, Dickson said the oil company was complementing government’s efforts at developing the rural communities.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the vehicles.
SPDC’s General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Mr Nedo Osayande, said that the projects were part of the oil firm’s corporate social responsibilities.
He explained that apart from the 10 projects, SPDC and its joint partners were also involved in the construction of the Nembe Independent Power Project and the Nembe Road.
He said that on completion, the road would open up communities in the area.
“Today, we are here to celebrate with the communities on the commissioning of 10 projects which cut across economic empowerment and infrastructure.
“These projects cost N355m. I believe these investments will improve lives,” he said.