Business
Pipelines Attack: Group Cautions FG On Militants
L-R: Organising Secretary, Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria, Kehinde Arowosegbe, National Chairman of the forum, Wole Badmus and the Public Relation Officer, Mr Umar Mohammed, at a news conference on the deregulation of the Downstream Petroleum Sector in Abuja, yesterday.
A Niger Delta group, the
Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC), has advised the Federal Government to approach the military hunt for the Niger Delta avengers with caution for peaceful development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region in particular, and Nigeria in general.
National Co-ordinator of NDYC, Prince Emmanuel Ogba, who gave this advice Saturday in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt said if the Federal Government did not apply caution, several innocent communities in the region would become victims of crime they knew nothing about.
Ogba who stated that he was not in support of the renewed attack on pipelines or oil and gas facilities in the region, said the best approach was to invite the Niger Delta Avengers for dialogue to enable the government have thorough understanding of the grievances of the group and design the way forward.
He explained that attack on the pipelines at this present period the economy of the nation was passing through difficult trials is one of the worst things to happen to the economy of Nigeria, and that the wisest approach was to negotiate and arrive at peace for the interest of all.
“If the group goes on to sustain its threat of attacking the oil facilities, the nation would be worse off and the environment of the Niger Delta, as well as the innocent communities that might be smoked up in the course of the military onslaught, would suffer more”.
The NDYC boss, however, appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers to suspend its attack and consider the fate of the poor people in these communities and submit itself to dialogue so that the world would know why they decided to renew attack when the Federal Government had, in its magnanimity given the militants amnesty.
The youth leader expressed belief that a military onslaught in the Niger Delta Communities will likely be counter-productive.
He equally recommended that the Federal Government should hold a stakeholders meeting with oil community representatives, the oil companies and security agencies as to synergize to fight oil theft, vandalism and associated matters.
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.
