In a significant move to empower the youth of the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that 300 young people have successfully completed its Technical Skills Training Programme. The graduation ceremony, held at the NDDC event center in Port Harcourt, celebrated the new graduates who are now equipped with skills in high-demand fields.
Dr. Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, addressed the graduating class, highlighting that the training is a core part of the commission's strategy to combat youth restiveness, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. A statement from NDDC's Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, confirmed the program’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Antai explained that the chosen skills - pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operations, and sandblasting - were specifically selected to meet the current needs of the oil and gas industry. He emphasized that this initiative to build human capacity aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
During his address, Antai noted, "It is noteworthy that we are gathered to celebrate the graduation of youths from the Niger Delta region who have been trained to acquire skills in pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operations, sand blasting to learn and to benefit from a programme such as this. This is in line with the Provisions of Section 7 of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000, as amended.”
He stressed the NDDC's commitment to creating sustainable and regenerative human capacity. The program drew participants from all nine states in the Niger Delta, ensuring broad regional representation.
Antai encouraged the graduates to stay focused, reminding them that the NDDC invested heavily in their training to produce skilled professionals for the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors. He believes that this initiative will reduce the over-reliance on white-collar jobs and boost the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He also referred to the graduates as pioneers and ambassadors of the NDDC, symbolizing the commission's dedication to restoring hope to the people of the region.
Mrs. Lyna Okara, Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, praised the program as a well-planned effort to meet the demands of the oil and gas sector. Mr. Timothy Iyenabo, representing the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, delivered a goodwill message, urging the new graduates to create a roadmap for their future and to mentor others.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates. The event was also attended by key NDDC officials, including the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, and the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume.