• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Bayelsa seeks more investment by Shell

Bayelsa seeks more investment by Shell

The Bayelsa State government has called for collaboration with the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to enable investment in the state, and to give more value to the people of Bayelsa.

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor, Bayelsa Sate, made the call during a business meeting with the management of SPDC in Port Harcourt, recently.

“The relationship between Bayelsa State and SPDC is cordial. Thank you for your investments in our state. Thank you for your contributions to support development efforts in the state. But how do we improve on this and bring dividends to our people? There is still so much more to unearth in our state,” the deputy governor said.

He said was to see how both parties could work together to create a suitable environment for SPDC to operate and generate value for Nigeria and Bayelsa State.

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“We wish to collaborate and expand your portfolio in Bayelsa State and to see how we can partner to reduce youth restiveness and tackle the increased use of drugs by youths in the state.”

He said the state had recorded a huge success using sports to engage youths and keep them away from vices including violent crimes.

“For two years now, we have been experimenting with programmes to engage the youths towards positive actions, to reduce restiveness.

“The state government believes that sports are an avenue to dilute criminality and the prevalent use of drugs. Our efforts have started budding and fruits are coming in.”

On his part, Osagie Okunbor, managing director, SPDC and country chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, said: “We support the government’s effort to improve the environment in Bayelsa.”