Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has given thumbs up to the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) for living up to expectation as a research centre.
Governor Diri also commended the state’s premier university for contributing its quota in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
He gave the commendation when the university management led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, presented items produced by the institution to the state government in Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the level of entrepreneurship introduced by the university to its immediate environment and assured of government’s support for it to do more being a centre of excellence.
In a statement by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said his administration was very committed and determined to mitigate the spread of the pandemic in the state but emphasised that the battle must be collective.
He called on Bayelsans to take the issue of their health more seriously and adhere strictly to all safety protocols against the virus.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa commended the governor and his administration’s efforts in addressing the novel virus in the state, which he said necessitated the move by well-meaning organisations to pool resources toward curtailing its spread.
The Pro-Chancellor said as critical stakeholders in the development of the state, they decided to identify with the state government in the ongoing fight against the virus by presenting the first instalment of home-grown health kits against the disease.
The items presented include 400 packs of NDU customised face masks, 200 packs each of hand sanitisers and health kits containing, germicide, disinfectant, liquid soap and bleach as well as 400 packs of NDU table water.
Also present at the event were the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, the Registrar, Mrs. Efua Berepubo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Inodu Apoku and the Principal Secretary, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo among others.