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Princewill, Bobo-Brown Differ On Fuel Subsidy Removal
Following plans by the Federal Government to finally phase out fuel subsidy in the nation’s budget next year, two prominent opinion leaders from Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill and Amaopusenibo Soifiri Bobo-Brown have called for a thorough study of the situation.
Speaking to newsmen on the issue yesterday in Port Harcourt, Princewilll who expressed support for the policy said measures should be taken by the authorities to cushion the effect.
“I believe that fuel subsidy should be removed. When you look at all the arguments, I have a third school of thought. For me, subsidy is an opportunity for few people to enrich themselves, so, they can take away the subsidy without increasing the price of fuel,” he said.
The former Chairman of the Organised Opposition Political Parties in Rivers State argued that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) should be blamed for the lapses in the sector because of its inability to sustain local refining capacity of the refineries,” even at N65 per litre, I don’t believe the price of fuel is subidised,” he said.
He, however, lauded the Federal Government for raising capital expenditure and security vote in next year’s budget and submitted, “if we have security challenges next year with the kind of budget we have, then, we must ask ourselves questions.”
In his reaction, former President of the Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Amaopusenibo Soifiri Bobo-Brown called for a national debate by the citizenry over whether the subsidy should be removed,” the fuel subsidy should be a starting point of a debate for the salvaging of our economy”.
He explained that the issue should be a wake-up call for Nigerians to discuss how to improve the economy.
The former NIPR President blamed the issue on the comatose refineries, “so if the refineries do not produce, the price will naturally go up. In my view, Nigerians have not gained anything by importing fuel from abroad,” he said.
He, however, recommended that before the subsidy was removed, all efforts should be made to resuscitate the local refineries, “if the refineries start working, it would soak up the unemployed population and create more resources for local industries”, he opined.
On the state of security, Bobo-Brown remarked, “insecurity in the country is an expression of the frustration of many unemployed Nigerians”, and appealed to the federal and state governments to create employment opportunites to curb social vices.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
