IBADAN, OYO STATE – In a commendable move towards fostering youth empowerment and human capacity-building, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) successfully trained 500 youths in Oyo State on solar power installation and maintenance. The initiative, conducted in the state capital, Ibadan, spanned six months and received accolades from Sen. Teslim Kolawole Folarin, the former Chairman of the Local Content Committee in the 9th Senate.
Sen. Folarin, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, expressed his appreciation during the close-out ceremony of the training on Tuesday. He lauded Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, for his unwavering commitment to growing local content and building the capacity of the nation’s youth. “If we have about 10 Simbi’s in Nigeria, our country will be a better place,” remarked Folarin, urging the Board to sustain its engagement with youths through more training and contract opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
The Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics at NCDMB, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, delivered the keynote address at the event. Halilu revealed that the program aimed to create employment opportunities, generate wealth, and empower the youths to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy. He emphasized the significance of technology, skill acquisition in trades, and agriculture as high-impact economic sectors.
Halilu highlighted the role of solar power installation and maintenance training in providing an alternative power source for homes and offices, supporting the national power grid, and creating job opportunities for youths. As part of the comprehensive planning for the program, the Board has finalized arrangements to register cooperative societies for the group and provide shops for the graduates to practice their trades.
He stated, “The trainees will commence business as the registration of cooperatives and the provision of shops in groups for the graduates has been done. This empowerment program was aimed at providing lifelong support to youths.” Halilu urged Nigerian youths to leverage the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS), emphasizing its role in selecting participants for human capacity-building interventions and employment opportunities.
Mrs. Angela Okoro, the General Manager of the Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination Division, provided an overview of the Board’s objectives and mandates. She revealed that NCDMB has trained over 16,000 semi-skilled and skilled youths across the country, furthering its Human Capital Development initiatives.
