The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, has urged multinational oil companies operating in the state to show more commitment in contributing to the overall development of their host communities.

Governor Dickson made the call while commissioning a Diagnostic Laboratory, built by Chevron and its Joint Venture stakeholders in the Agbami Field to the state-owned Niger Delta University, NDU, Amassoma.

The governor urged oil companies in the state to honour the global memorandum of understanding they had signed with their host communities, as part of efforts to reduce conflicts.

He also used the occasion to assure students of the NDU that his administration would continue to collaborate with other development partners to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the university.

He said, “We would continue to jointly do everything that is necessary and appropriate to ensure that you have the enabling environment to undertake your studies.So what you owe us, is the exhibition of a sense of responsibility to utilise this facility in the best possible way you can.”

In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the NDU, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, expressed optimism that the project would not only impact the University community, but the country at large.

Also in an address, the Director of Star Deep water Petroleum Limited, Mr. Lanre Kalejaiye said, the Diagnostic Laboratory would enhance students’ research efforts and stimulate major medical research breakthroughs.

In their separate remarks, representatives of NAPIMS, Statoil, Famfa Oil Ltd and Petrobras, said the facility would complement the government efforts at building manpower for healthcare delivery and expressed readiness to continually embark on projects to improve the well being of the people.