Business
Firm Urges Local Production Of Photo Materials
A Port Harcourt-based photographic company, Redkarpet Multi Links Ltd, over the weekend donated some food items, clothings and cash to two Charity Homes in Port Harcourt.
The benefiting Charity Homes are OLG organisation, Woji, which caters for people with autism and the Port Harcourt Compassion Home.
The Business Development Manager, Princess Victoria Woluchem, said the gesture was part of the company’s activities to mark its one-year anniversary.
Woluchem stated that in expressing gratitude to God for the divine guide and blessing to the company, there was need to remember the less privileged in the society and touch their lives.
The company, which started operation on 8th June last year, she said has done pretty well inspite challenges.
“We successfully Covered the Commonwealth Parliamentary Assembly, 40th African Regional Conference, ION International Film Festival, the 2009 CARNIRIV and also covered Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament”, she said.
“Apart from the above, we have been remarkable in the coverage of other numerous private and corporate activities within the state and beyond”, she added.
The Business Development Manager, who revealed that her company is looking forward to the forth coming Rivers State Cultural festival, billed for December this year, stressed the ambition of her company to become the most proficient and purpose-driven digital imaging organisation in sub-Sahara Africa through the assemblage of passion-driven core professionals in the industry.
Woluchem revealed that Redkarpet has trained good number of photographers within the past twelve months and that arrangements have been concluded to train some Niger Delta persons in photography as part of the skills acquisition progamme in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Commenting on the challenges, she stated that the company was sited near the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in the hope of enjoying patronage of the university community but regretted that the university had been on strike for the greater part of the year.
She also noted that the unavailability of local resources for the industry was a major challenge facing photographic companies.
“We import over 90 per cent of our raw materials from out side the country and this is not helping the industry in its bid to grow as in other countries”, she remarked.
Woluchem called on investors to take interest in the manufacturing of photographic materials locally in view of abundant opportunities available in it.
The manager commended the customers of the company for their patronage and reassured them of consistency in quality standard of services.
She gave kudos to the Rivers State Government for complimenting the efforts of the Federal Government in bringing about peace through the amnesty programme.
Chris Oluoh
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.
