Three hundred beneficiaries of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Technical skills programme has started the training into various skills of their choices.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the commission was taking definite steps to equip people of the region with skills that would enable them excel in their various endeavours.
Dr. Ogbuku who insisted that the aim was to fight poverty and improve the living standard of the people maintained, that in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee, the commission was determined to invest in the capacity of residents of the oil rich region.
Represented by the Executive Director Projects, Sir. Victor Antai, the MD encouraged participants to be committed to the task, assuring that the skills would not only make them employable, but would also make them self reliant.
” Commit to the process, practice with passion, show discipline, understand that what you are receiving here canner be taken from you, it is a permanent asset in you. You came in as an applicant but you will leave as an artisan, you may have entered as a learner, but you will exit as a contributor to regional development.
That is the power of skill and that is the focus of this Programme”
Similarly, Director Commercial and Industrial Development CID, Mrs. Lyna Okara told participants that the skills were carefully selected in line with industry requirements, both in the oil sector and engineering.
Giving insight into the training, the Lead trainer Mr. Samuel Success who was optimistic of the quality of training advised participants to be punctual and serious in every aspect of the programme.
MR. SUCCESS stated that the training would enable them to operate and do maintenance of the equipment.
“A lot of people go overseas with these skills and make a lot of money and within Nigeria also, you make a lot of money. So, within Nigeria or outside, you make a lot of money with these skills. Whether it is in the region or beyond.
Wether you want to be employed or you want to be self employed, you just need a sustainable skill.”
The participants would be trained in scaffolding, forklifting, sound blast and pipe fitting for six months.
