By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea for the construction of a fabricating yard on Brass Island in Brass local government area of the state.

The facility which comprises a training centre, piping shop, steel structure, and pressure vessel shops is expected to provide training for 300 youths from the state every year.

Speaking after signing the MoU, Governor Timipre Sylva expressed joy over the project, as it is expected to create about 2, 000 jobs for the people.

The governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ola Doifie, described the facility as strategic, saying it would significantly contribute to the sustenance of peace in the state.

Sylva, who observed that the Niger Delta crisis had been exacerbated by lack of employment opportunities, said the investment by Hyundai Heavy Industries was crucial as it would create sustainable jobs.

He assured the company that government would discuss with the host communities in an effort to ensure a conducive operational environment for the group.

The project, which is expected to be completed in 18 months, would attract more investments from Korea when it becomes operational.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, who also witnessed the signing of the MoU, commended Hyundai Heavy Industries for its investment and urged it to expedite action on the project.

Nwapa, who expressed Federal Government’s commitment to the enforcement of the Nigerian Content Law, said before the end of this month, a Chinese company was expected to establish a pipe mill to be located near the Gbarain/Ubie Gas Gathering Plant in Gbarain.
Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Mr. Cheon Inn Soo, said the abundant natural resources in Bayelsa State informed the company’s decision to establish its facility in the state.

Inn Soo expressed his company’s willingness to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

He solicited the support of government and other stakeholders towards the success of the project, stressing that security is crucial to the take off of the facility.