By Tejiri Ebikeme
Multi-national oil companies under the auspices of Agbami Co-venturers have donated and handed over a science Laboratory to Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government area of Delta State.
The Agbami Co-venturers consists of Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, the Famfa Oil Limited, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, the Petroleo Brasileiro Nigerian Limited, Chevron and the Statoil Nigeria Limited.
They said the construction and completion of the science laboratory project was part of it’s corporate social responsibility and contribution to help improve the availability and affordability of quality education to Nigerian.
The Director, Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, Mr. Richard Kennedy who spoke at the handing over ceremony said the science laboratory is expected to have a huge impact on the student, adding that it will provide them with up-to-date science laboratory equipment for undertaking experiments and for writing their examinations.
Mr. Kennedy, who was represented by Dan Agbofode, Snr. Government Affairs Advisor, Policy, Govt. & Public Affairs, Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, noted the Agbami Co-venturers have also implemented other projects in the past in Delta state in education and health.
“We have several other projects across the country either on-going or completed. The projects, mainly libraries, chest coninics and science laboratories constitute an aspect of the strategic intervention plan of the Agbami Co-venturers in promoting a better life for Nigerians.
“Since the Agbami field was commissioned, we have donated 33 science laboratories, 6 hybrid and conventional libraries, as well as 25 chest clinics to different states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“In addition, 2, 692 Delta State indigenes have benefited from Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional Scholarships (AMEPS). This is different from the Chevron JV Scholarships.” Mr Kennedy said.
While thanking the Delta State government for the support the Agbami Co-venturers had enjoyed in the implementation of the project, Mr Kennedy also appreciated the state commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary) Barr Chiedu Ebie, the school principal and other leaders of Alaka Grammar School and the project managers of Descintext Limited for their commitment.
He encouraged the recipients of the Science laboratory to efficiently manage the laboratory and ensure its sustainability for the benefit of the people.
On his part, the chairman, FAMFA Oil Limited, Modupe Alakija who was represented by Mr Tokunbo Ayodele, Drilling Engineer, FAMFA oil , noted that through various projects FAMFA is collaborating with its stakeholders to add value to the provision of quality education as well as excellent healthcare delivery in the country.
“This science laboratory is one of the projects which the Agbami Co-venturers, working through the operator, Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, are implementing to benefit Delta State and by extension the entire nation.
“The advancement of education holds special attraction for us at Famfa and we are happy that the over 33 science laboratories which we have donated to various institutions are helping to stimulate interest in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) nationwide. That is why we are pleased to be at this ceremony,” Alakija said.
Also present at the occasion was the Group General Manager, NAPIMS, Mr. Dafe Sejebor stressed that NAPPIMS have been supporting Agbami Co-venturers’ Social Investment programs right from its conception, adding that its mandate is to ensure that the daily standard of living and the quality of life of Nigerians are improved.
He said, “This project is a fruit of partnership and it is a very desirable way of working because government cannot solve all the nation’s problems alone. I applaud the achievements by the Agbami partners and other stakeholders on this project and encourage even more of such collaborations in the future.”
The Delta State Commissioner for Edcuation (Basic and Secondary Education) Barr Chiedu Ebie in his address lauded Agbami Co-venturers for the donation of the science laboratory to the school, saying with the donation, Agbami Co-venturers have shown their commitment in making sure that standard of education in the country is improved.
He called on other oil multinationals, corporate organizations and private individuals to take a cue from what the Agbami Co-venturers have been doing in the country and assist government in improving the lives of the citizens as government cannot do it all alone.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state, saying that since the inception of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, more emphasis has been placed on education.
He also challenged the security agencies, the school authority and the community leaders to ensure that the facilities are secured.
The Principal of Alaka Grammar School, Mr. John Bosin thanked the Agbami Co-venturers for the gesture, saying that the presence of the science laboratory in the school will attract students from various communities and will boost the population of the school, adding that the interest of student concerning science subjects will also be aroused.
