Dumo Harps On Collaboration Between Academia, Businessmen, Government .…. Plans To Build Industry Research Centre at RSU

By: Pius Dukor

The Rivers State Business mogul , Industrialist and Managing Director of Platform Petroleum, High Chief Dumo Lulu-briggs has called on collaboration between the academia, business people and government for rapid development.

High Chief Dumo made the Remarks during the celebration of Pastor Prof. Barineme Fakae 70 years birthday celebration and unveiling of book over the weekend at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

High Chief Dumo a philanthropist who also Chaired the 70 years colloquium of Prof. Fakae a former Vice Chancellor of the University pledged to construct an industry research center at the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu Orowurukwo, Port Harcourt, noted that this collaboration by these great minds will foster development and synergy leading to bigger opportunities in the State.

The former Rivers Governorship candidate who was responding to the appeals by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Issac Zeb Obipi, said the construction of the centre which will be completed in 24 months will serve as a centre for  research where the business community will meet and interact with the academia and the government to provide solutions on critical socio-economic issues of national development.

 "There has to be a deliberate relationship between the academia, industry and the government to achieve the industry-gown relationship. To choose to build an edifice to sustain the relationship is the biginning of achieving great innovations," he stated. The business mongul who commended Prof. Fakae on his contributions to the development of the state University while he was the VC of the institution, noted that the celebrant chosed to  mark his birthday with exchange of knowledge to reflect his life journey and impacts on the society rather than showcasing luxury. 

The soft spoken politician equally expressed appreciations to the VC of the university for accepting to host the event stating that it reinforced the University's position as a centre for exchange of knowledge, ideas and thoughts that shapes the society. 

In his Speech, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Issac Zeb- Obipi  felicitated with Prof. Fakae on his birthday and contributions to the digitalization of the University while appealing to the High Chief Lulu-Briggs to assist in the building of a complex that will serve as an industry- Research Centre in the institution. According to the VC, the centre will encourage effective collororations in researches between the industry and the university adding that major industries and firms will be encouraged to open research offices at the complex for the benefit of the University and the society. 

Prof. Obipi who described the celebrant as the father of the digital Vice Chancellor of the institution recalled the contributions of Prof. Fakae who he said laid the foundations for the digitalization of the University.

 Responding, Prof. Fakae expressed appreciations to all for chosing to share the moments of his birthday celebrations with him adding that he decided to mark the event with a colloquium themed: "Fulfilling Life's Purpose Through Service; to provoke critical thinking on life responsibilities and impacts on society.

Highlights of the event was the unveilling of the Book titled: Priest of Three Temples by High Chief Lulu-briggs.