197YEARS OLD CONSULATE BUILDING RECONSTRUCTED IN NIGERIA

Rivers State Government in the south part of Nigeria has reconstructed the 197years old consulate building located in Bonny local government in the state.

The reconstruction was done by a collaboration between Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and Julius Berger Nigeria, a construction company.

Speaking during the commissioning, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, said the consulate had deepened the vision of making Bonny an investment and tourism destination.

According to Dr. Banigo, “The reconstruction of the Consulate Building, a monument that is 197 years old this year, by NLNG and Julius Berger, emphasizes the importance of putting together our collective memory as a people.

“With the other initiatives that have been going on through the NLNG, including the Bonny Bodo Road and other cooperate social responsibility going on, we believe that this will further engender the fulfillment of our dream of making Bonny the destination of choice for all investors and bridges to other parts of this nation.”

She further express her gratitude to the NLNG for creatively re-enacting the old structure, added that the building would continue to remain a historical monument and a remarkable milestone.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, said the company’s relationship with the ancient grand Bonny Kingdom over the past 22 years, had generated milestones of varying impact on the Island.

He noted that the construction and the commissioning of the Bonny Consulate Building was one of such accomplishments, which would underscore the economic significance of the Bonny Kingdom, which he said preceded the advent of oil and gas activities.

Also speaking, Managing Director of Julius Berger, Nigeria, Dr. Lars Richter, said as far back as the 15th century, Bonny was a major international trading post, which has over time transformed into a central hub and key focal point for natural gas exploration and production in Nigeria.

The monarch, King of Bonny, Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple 111, in his address, said the newly reconstructed Consulate Building was capable of turning the Bonny Kingdom into the hub of tourism in Nigeria and Africa in general.

SOURCE: This Day