The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially handed over the Oloibiri Museum and Research Center (OMRC) project site to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, marking a major step toward preserving Nigeria’s oil heritage.
The handover ceremony took place at the Otuabagi townhall in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, drawing stakeholders from the NCDMB, the Bayelsa State Government, Julius Berger, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and the host community of Otuabagi.
Speaking on behalf of NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and underscored the OMRC’s importance in restoring Otuabagi’s historical relevance as the site of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff, Government House, reiterated the state’s full support for the project and formally presented the OMRC site plan to the contractor.
Julius Berger’s Deputy Regional Manager (South & East), Mr. Rimon Mavisho, pledged the company’s commitment to timely delivery and appealed for continued cooperation from the local community.
In their goodwill messages, INC Chairman, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and IYC President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, emphasized the project’s cultural and historical significance for the Ijaw Nation and pledged their full support.
The Otuabagi community also assured stakeholders of a peaceful environment and their unwavering backing for the successful execution of the project.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu was accompanied by Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile (General Manager, Capacity Building), Mr. Silas Ajimijaye (General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation), Mr. Suleiman (General Manager, FLD), and other NCDMB staff.
