Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB),Mr. Simbi Wabote has stressed the need for traditional rulers and representatives of host communities to be patriotic and collaborate with the board to achieve set goals.
Mr. Wabote, who also said the board is not an intervention agency, rather set up to bring development, employment opportunities and industrialization to the region.said this during the maiden edition of the Interactive Session/Open Forum with representatives of the NCDMB’S projects host communities in Bayelsa State at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa.
Represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Daziba Patrick-Obah, he pointed out that the board is serves as a catalyst for the industrialization of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors to promote the development and effective implementation of the Nigerian Content Act.
Àlso speaking, General Manager Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, Dr Ginah O. Ginah described the interactive session as one of the key initiatives that would help deliver the Nigerian Content ten year strategic roadmap and actualize the aspirations of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act twenty twenty.
In a keynote address, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr Ebieri Jones, commended the NCDMB for organizing the program and urged host communities to ensure they build their capacity in order to measure up with the standard of multinational companies.
Earlier in a welcome address, the facilitator, Chief Nathan Egba-Ologo, said the program is aimed at creating an opportunity for the board to interface with host communities and get feedback directly.
He said the NCDMB operates a policy of transparency and equitable distribution of opportunities, therefore the forum is a veritable opportunity for the delegates to ask questions on issues concerning the board’s projects, policies and activities that are not clear to them.
In their separate responses, Paramount rulers of Swali community, Chief Wilcox Seifa, Polako Community, Chief Tari Club, Elebele community, Chief David Osene Osene, Amayanabo of Abain-Ama in Okpoama Kingdom,Chief Livingstone Egba amongst others, appreciated the NCDMB for availing them the opportunity to interact and bridge the gap between the board and host communities.
