Oloibiri museum project: Oluleye assures NTDC of completion

The Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Dr Oluwole Oluleye has assured the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) of the Fund’s commitment to pursue the completion of the proposed Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum. This is not only to harness the history of oil exploration in Nigeria, but also to serve as a viable tourist attraction for the country.

In a statement, the Head of Press and External Relations of PTDF, Kalu Otise,  said the firm has commenced the process of establishing a National Research Centre and oil and gas Museum in Oloibiri, Bayelsa state which would serve as a repository of knowledge and artifacts on the early history of oil exploration in Nigeria, and illuminate the essence of petroleum science education and related environmental issues including oil and gas research.

“It’s a dream that if finally realized, the museum will be the first of its kind to harness the early history of oil exploration  in the country, and will serve as an archive where samples of research outputs will be laid for references. This is in addition to its becoming a tourist attraction for people from all walks of life and especially those interested in oil and gas explorations.” he said
Oluleye who received the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo on a courtesy call, affirmed the Fund’s determination to complete the project as part of its interventionist policy to develop oil and gas related infrastructures across the country.

“We are building a research museum and conference centre at Oloibiri in Bayelsa state, Oloibiri itself should have been a tourism centre a long time ago, considering its significance of being where oil was found in commercial quantity.”
He pointed out that, the country has benefited from oil proceeds over a long period of time and it is therefore a worthwhile venture to develop a centre in Oloibiri to celebrate the early history of its existence in the country saying.
“We have all been enjoying the proceeds of Oloibiri. The oil actually gave us a quantum leap in terms of finances and we are committed to developing that project,” he assured.

The executive secretary assured the Corporation that PTDF would collaborate and partner with all agencies in the realization of the transformation agenda of the President, “ I believe that, we can strike some form of relationship especially with what we intend to do at Oloibiri, I think that will become a basis for our future cooperation”
Mrs. Mbanefo said, she is visiting PTDF to explore areas of collaboration having identified the Fund as one of the critical oil and gas related agencies of government that it can partner with to promote tourism development in Nigeria.