Kingsley Omonobi
21 April 2004
Warri — GOVERNOR James Ibori of Delta State announced yesterday plan by his administration to establish an Independent Power Plant (IPP) and a telecommunications outfit before the end of his tenure.
Both the IPP and the telecommunication outfits, he noted, would ensure the provision of electricity and the telecommunication services to every part of the state.
Speaking at the 2004 graduation of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, the governor explained that the measures became necessary owing to the state government's awareness that no practical technological and industrial development can take place in the country without efficient and effective electricity supply and telecommunication.
"We are optimistic that the administration's vision for improved technological development and growth will soon be realized," he said adding "with these vital facilities, graduates of the PTI would have abundant opportunities to practice their profession, including establishing oil service companies.
Expressing government's worry that Nigeria has remained an import-dependent nation especially in the area of technological expertise and machinery inspite of graduates from our universities and polytechnics. Governor Ibori charged the graduands of the Institute to prove their professional mettle in whatever area they might find themselves.
Calling on the Niger Delta Development Commission to explore ways of utilizing the institute's resources and facilities for the appropriate training of youths in the Niger Delta, the governor urged PTI to prepare itself to offer its services for the vocational training of youths in the area.
Earlier, Principal and Chief Executive of Petroleum Training Institute, Dr. S.E. Ovuru in his address, called on government to assist the institute with seismic equipment and data analysis facilities such as Roll Along Switch, Line Testing Unit, Analog and Digital Signal Conditioning and Special Clock.
Also needed are Auxiliary Channel, play back unit, computerized processing unit and power supply.
The principal explained that the institute had began a programme on diving technology, which is an aspect of offshore engineering noting that the dearth of divers in the country is unacceptable.
"The training of divers is capital intensive in view of the cost of acquisition of suitable sea going vessels with its training paraphernalia, which must include hyperbaric doctor/nurse and instructors on training regalia".
"This has been made possible by the Petroleum Development Fund (PTDF) which endowed a N10 million chair on behalf of the institute's Offshore Technology Centre. Companies should avail themselves of the opportunities" he said.
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