The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva has led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners across all sectors of the Nation’s oil and gas industry yesterday, Saturday 2nd of May, 2020, to kick start the commencement of the third category of the intervention initiative for the delivery of medical infrastructure(s) across the various Geopolitical Zones of the Nation.
The ground breaking event for a Permanent Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital for the South-South Region was held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The Minister stated that the project was part of the Nigerian oil industry coalition initiative led by the NNPC to support the nation’s effort to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated also that Bayelsa was considered a suitable site, for its pioneering role in the history of oil and gas in the country.
Speaking, the Group Managing Director of NNPC Mallam Mele Kyari, who spoke through the Corporation’s Group Manager, National Petroleum investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and also the coordinator of the initiative in the Petroleum industry, Mr. Bala Wunti, disclosed that the corporation was working with its joint venture partners across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors to support the Health Sector.
According to Mr. Lorenzo Fiorillo, Managing Director, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), “the out break of COVID-19 disease had put a lot of strain on health care systems and personnel globally. “He further stated that, the company remained sympathetic to help navigate the threat posed by COVID-19, which had resulted in the death of millions worldwide, adding also that the project would engender available medical asset to the South-South region of the country.
The Bayelsa State Governor, H.E. Douye Diri performed the ground breaking ceremony in the company of other dignitaries, including Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba who represented the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari amongst others.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
DD (Information)
Head Press and Public Relations.
