Shell inaugurates N2.4b library for students

Shell Companies in Nigeria provided 5 million Dollars while Port Harcourt Literary Society invested 1.5 million Dollars on the library.

The logo of Shell is pictured at the 26th World Gas Conference in Paris, France, June 2, 2015.  REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
ADVERTISEMENT

Inaugurating the library in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Mr Osagie Okunbor, said the library was accessible to all scholars and researchers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SCiN provided 5 million dollars while Port Harcourt Literary Society invested 1.5 million dollars on the library.

Okunbor said the library was one out of three projects that would cost SCiN N2 billion each and which would be situated across the Niger Delta to mark the nation’s centenary anniversary.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our choice of centenary projects and this library is a demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Nigeria and commitment to its socio-economic development, especially in the Niger Delta.

“We are convinced that this library will deliver significant benefits and positively impact the lives of people while increasing access to knowledge and education in Rivers and Niger Delta.

“This library will be a component of the Book Centre that will serve as the hub of activities to promote access to information and economic growth through education and literary arts.”

Okunbor said the library was the biggest and most Information Technology-driven public library in the region, adding that the library was establish to promote reading culture.

He announced that SCiN staffers would donate books to support the library while additional “staff time post-inauguration” would also be provided for effective take-off of the library.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier, Dr Chidi Amuta, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Port Harcourt Literary Society, said the library was conceived to commemorate the recognition of Port Harcourt by UNESCO as 2014 World Book Capital.

He said the Book Centre comprises of four structures including a library; writers’ hostel, an event centre and exhibition hall and a theatre.

“We live in uncertain times, and as such, the attention of youths is torn violently between the forces of new information, new modes of violence and the pull of new money.

“We believe that exposure to noble ideas through medium of books and the printed word can point our youth in a different direction away from ignorance and bestiality they see around them.”

Amuta said the library was equipped with digital facilities and multimedia channels to engage the minds of adventurous youths in the society.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said the event centre and exhibition hall donated by the Rivers Government was still undergoing construction while other structures that make up the book centre were open to sponsorship.

Also speaking, Rivers Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Banigo, said the state government was committed to build new schools, upgrade library and other facilities at secondary schools in the state.

Banigo, who was represented by her aid, Ine Fubara, urged students and researchers to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the library to improve their reading culture and researches.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Afrobeats Throwbacks: 10 unforgettable moments in Headies history

Afrobeats Throwbacks: 10 unforgettable moments in Headies history

Tragedy as Yoruba Nation agitator dies in custody during treason trial

Tragedy as Yoruba Nation agitator dies in custody during treason trial

The police violated my rights - Speed Darlington on recent arrest

The police violated my rights - Speed Darlington on recent arrest

LG Electronics joins EbonyLife Creative Academy to equip next-generation storytellers

LG Electronics joins EbonyLife Creative Academy to equip next-generation storytellers

Navy captures 2 smugglers with 350kg of fertilisers headed for Cameroon

Navy captures 2 smugglers with 350kg of fertilisers headed for Cameroon

10 richest female pastors in the world in 2024: see their net worth

10 richest female pastors in the world in 2024: see their net worth

Sèmè City & EbonyLife Media partner to transform Benin Republic's screen industries

Sèmè City & EbonyLife Media partner to transform Benin Republic's screen industries

We didn't agree on ₦85k - Lagos workers react to Sanwo-Olu's minimum wage offer

We didn't agree on ₦85k - Lagos workers react to Sanwo-Olu's minimum wage offer

Northern elders endorses Tinubu approach to insecurity

Northern elders endorses Tinubu approach to insecurity

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT