Platform Petroleum Unveils ICT Hub to Power Digital Future in Rivers State
In a significant stride toward digital empowerment, Platform Petroleum Limited has officially commissioned the O.B. Lulu-Briggs ICT Centre for Digital Innovations in Obonoma, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. This landmark initiative, inaugurated on April 8, 2026, by John Onaiyekan, aims to expand access to digital infrastructure and foster youth development in the Niger Delta region.
A Gateway to Opportunity in the Digital Age
The newly launched facility is equipped with over 280 networked computers and is designed to serve as a major hub for computer-based testing (CBT) and digital learning. It is expected to benefit residents of Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, and Degema local government areas, significantly reducing the need for candidates to travel to urban centers like Port Harcourt for examinations and digital services.
Chairman of Platform Petroleum, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who spearheaded the project, emphasized its strategic importance in addressing the growing demand for digital skills in a rapidly evolving global economy. He described the centre as a "gateway to opportunity," highlighting the necessity for young people to be equipped to participate in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and technology.
"Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are opening a gateway that connects this community to the world," Lulu-Briggs stated during the inauguration ceremony.
Honoring a Legacy Through Corporate Social Responsibility
The ICT centre is named in honour of Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, the father of Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and forms part of Platform Petroleum's corporate social responsibility efforts. These initiatives are focused on fostering innovation, education, and economic growth in host communities. Beyond its CBT capabilities, the facility includes multiple sections dedicated to:
- Training programs for digital skills development
- Collaboration spaces for community engagement
- Enterprise development support
- Residential lodges and support spaces to enhance learning experiences
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman of Platform Petroleum, Ojunekwu Augustine Avuru; the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, John Anim; religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and youth representatives. Stakeholders widely commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will bridge the digital divide and unlock opportunities for thousands of young people across the region.
Ensuring Sustainability and Community Ownership
Lulu-Briggs urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the centre to ensure its long-term sustainability. "This is your gift, but also your responsibility. Use it, protect it, and let it become a place where a new generation rises, equipped and ready," he charged.
The O.B. Lulu-Briggs ICT Centre is widely regarded as a forward-looking investment with the potential to transform access to digital education. It positions Rivers State as an emerging hub for innovation and technological development, aligning with broader efforts to enhance digital literacy and economic opportunities in Nigeria.
