The Shell Petroleum and Development
Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has lifted the Port Harcourt Literary Society
with an e-library worth N1 billion, just as the society has opened its doors to book
lovers and other literary enthusiasts, reports ITRealms.
The e-library, ITRealms gathered is
one of the N2billion social investment projects Shell exclusively sponsored in
the Niger Delta to mark Nigeria's centenary anniversary.
The others are a hospital and sports
centre in Bayelsa and Delta states respectively. Shell spent N790 million on
the project that was implemented via a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Port Harcourt Library Society, which contributed an additional N240 million.
The Managing Director, SPDC, Mr.
Osagie Okunbor, said that Shell invested exclusively on this library project
because of its strong conviction that it will deliver significant benefits and
positively impact the lives of the people.
Okunbor who also is Country Chair
Shell Companies in Nigeria, said at the commissioning ceremony that they were
pleased to deliver an ultra-modern public library that would rank as one of the
biggest and most IT-driven in the country. The feedback we’re receiving shows
that the literary scene in the Garden City has already changed.
Nigeria’s National Librarian, Prof Lenrie Aina said that the
facility, named Port Harcourt Literary Society Library is the ‘first complete
public library in Nigeria,’ because, aside from Shell ensuring supply of power,
books and cooling, every comfort of book lovers was considered in the design
and construction of the library.
Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr.
Ipalibo Banigo, in a speech delivered by her Senior Special Assistant, Mrs.
Inegogo Fubara, thanked SPDC for supporting the state government's desire to
provide sustainable and affordable education to the people.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the
Port Harcourt Literary Society, Dr. Chidi Amuta said the library was designed
to be the heart of the Port Harcourt Book Centre that was originally conceived
to commemorate the recognition of Port Harcourt by UNESCO as the 2014 World
Book Capital. He added: “Oher structures awaiting donor evaluation and sponsorship
include a writers’ hostel, an event centre/exhibition hall and a theatre. The Book Centre,
like the Muson Centre in Lagos along which it is modelled, is conceived as a
centre of culture and enlightenment.”
An obviously elated Senator Magnus
Abe said “In everything Shell has done in the Niger Delta, today they have made
a statement that will never go away. They have set us as a people as partners,
in truth, because it is books that will develop the Niger Delta. So having
associated themselves with books today in the lives of our children and in the
lives of our youths, Shell has made an indelible contribution to the true
development of this region. We will never forget you.’
The cynosure of all eyes at the event
was 10-year old Shawn Ene who single-handedly raised over N250,000 for
the donation of children’s books under the special support programme of Shell
Nigeria staff’s volunteer group, Shell Employees Care. There were also poetry
and drama performances at the commissioning of the library.
Chuks Egbune/GEE
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