300 Youths Graduate from NDDC Skills Training Programme

A total of 300 youths from the Niger Delta region have graduated from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Technical Skills Training Programme, specialising in various technical areas.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the NDDC event centre in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Executive Director for Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, stated that the training program was part of the NDDC’s ongoing efforts to reduce youth restiveness, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty in the region.

In a statement released by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Antai, representing the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, explained that the training in pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operation, and sandblasting was specifically designed to address the skills gap within the oil and gas industry.

He emphasised that the initiative to develop the human capacity of Niger Delta residents, enabling them to learn and benefit from such training, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dr. Antai further stated, “It is indeed significant that we are here today to celebrate the graduation of these Niger Delta youths who have acquired valuable skills in pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operation, and sandblasting. This program is in direct accordance with Section 7 of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000, as amended.”

The Executive Director affirmed the NDDC’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of sustainable and regenerative human capacity development, noting that trainees from all nine states of the region participated in the program.

He advised the graduates to remain focused, highlighting the substantial investment the NDDC made in training them for industries requiring skilled personnel in oil and gas, as well as manufacturing.

He further explained that this development would contribute to a decrease in the demand for white-collar jobs, foster the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and align with the ideals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Antai lauded the graduates as pioneers and ambassadors of the NDDC, representing the fulfilment of the current NDDC board’s vision to restore hope to the people of the region.

Mrs. Lyna Okara, Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, noted that the training program was carefully conceived to address the specific needs of the oil and gas industry.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Timothy Iyenabo, representing the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, encouraged the graduates to develop a roadmap for upskilling and training others.

The ceremony, attended by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, and other NDDC Directors, concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates.