Business
Commuters Decry Touting At Motor Parks
Commuters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have decried the rise in operate of touts at bus stops and motor parks in the city and its environs.
Some commuters interviewed by our reporter on the increasing incidence of touts in the city called on the government and authorities concerned to take drastic measure against the hoodlums before they became another monster that would make the state unsafe.
According to them, such a step would be timely to keep crime rate in Port Harcourt and its environs low.
They also called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to urgently pass a bye-law banning all forms of touting in the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order or insecurity of lives and property.
A commuter, Mr Precious Wike complained that they sometimes robbed, attacked or harassed citizens at the various bus stops and motor parks.
He said the legislative arm of government should find it imperative to make a law to put a check to this ugly menace”, a measure would protect the law abiding citizens of the state as they go about their lawful businesses.
Another commuter, Cyril Wokoma, called on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to brace-up in their functions or risk being disbanded by the government.
“A stitch in time saves nine”, he noted.
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.
