General Hospital in commemoration of the discovery of oil in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in Bayelsa.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of SPDC, Mr Osagie Okunbor noted that Oloibiri remains very important in the history of Nigeria and in the story of Nigeria’s oil and gas journey and which also informed the conception of Oloibiri Health Programme (OHP).
Okunbor said, “It was in Oloibiri that Shell made the nation’s first commercial quantity discovery of crude oil 1958. That discovery is what has positioned Nigeria as a key player providing energy to the world, wealth to the country and abundant opportunities to the Nigerian people.
“The relationship between the SPDC and Bayelsa state since that discovery has grown with the expected footprints of our operations and social investments spread across the state. Amidst this growth, Oloibiri remains the reference point for Nigeria’s oil and gas journey.
“It is in this light that the Shell group as part of marking Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in 2014, conceived and began the implementation of the OHP, to serve as a reference point in Nigeria for sustainable Primary Health-Care delivery. ” he said.
Speaking further, Okunbor disclosed that the first phase of the OHP being inaugurated by his company consists of the remodelled Kolo General Hospital, equipped with a water treatment plant, Medical Laboratory equipment at the College of Health Technology at Otuogidi and the Dental Chair at the demonstration clinic at Otuogidi.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson commended SPDC for its intervention, stating that it was complimentary to his administration’s efforts in the health sector.
Dickson who was represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah, (Rtd) applauded SPDC for the gesture and urged other oil firms operating in the state to emulate Shell.
“Let me appreciate SPDC and its partners for also prioritising healthcare in the state by initiating the Oloibiri Health Programme.
“This is a laudable development as it will go a long way in complementing the various steps and policies we have introduced to meet health needs of our citizens in Ogbia local government area,” Dickson said.
Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
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