Eunice Imo Kalu
Lagos — The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has trained 200 youths across the Niger Delta region in welding and fabrication, in recognition of the importance of the skills in the engineering sector, especially in oil and gas, construction and manufacturing.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the trainees in welding and fabrication in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the goal of the training was to equip the participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field to create new opportunities and possibilities for the youths.
He noted that the graduation ceremony was held simultaneously in three other centres where the training was conducted; namely: Eket, Akwa Ibom State; Warri, Delta State and Benin, Edo State.
“The 200 graduates are drawn from the nine states covered by the NDDC,” he said.
Ogbuku, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, stated that the NDDC management recognised the need to bring youths of the region into the mainstream of the nation’s oil and gas industry.
He said: “It cannot be over emphasised that the oil and gas industry is the mainstay of the nation’s economy and oil is mainly gotten from the Niger Delta region. Therefore, the youths of the region must be adequately equipped with knowledge and skills to compete favourably in the industry.”
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that the Regional Development Master Plan of the Commission listed capacity building and human resources development as one of the strategic plans to be stressed to reverse the many years of neglect of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku stated: “The management of NDDC recognises the importance of skills development to change the ugly narrative in our region. It is a known fact that skills are the only global currency that can be earned in any nation. It is the only tool that guarantees legal migration for any person that attains competency level in any chosen skill.”
“I am convinced that with this programme, NDDC has been able to inculcate the basic welding skills that will provide daily living for the beneficiaries. To assist in doing this, NDDC has donated some welding equipment, comprising welding machine, grinding machine, tool box and a cash grant of one hundred thousand naira only (N100,000) to support your independent practice.”
In his address, the NDDC Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr. Godwin Nosiri said the NDDC was empowering the youths of the Niger Delta to actively participate in economic activities and thus contribute to the development of the region.
He remarked: “It is a thing of joy that we are experiencing the graduation ceremony of phase one of the NDDC Welding and Fabrication Training Programme. The NDDC is an interventionist agency established to bring about human and infrastructural development in the region.”
The Director urged the graduates of the training programme to make effective use of the equipment and starter packs given to them to provide required services to the public, as well as generate income to support their families.
The lead consultant for the training, Dr Solomon Edebiri, commended the NDDC for sponsoring the programme, noting: “This singular act amongst others star projects the Commission is undertaking, attests to your commitment to redefining development in the Niger Delta area.”
Speaking on behalf of the trained youths, Mr. Onyema Godspower, thanked the NDDC for giving the youths an opportunity to be useful to the society. He appealed for the expansion of the training to accommodate more youths.
