120 Benefit From NDPR Training Programme …As Commissioner Tasks Oil Companies On CSR

One hundred and twenty people from six host communities received starter packs from the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR), following their graduation, last Friday.
The graduands/recipients were drawn from NDPR’s host communities of Ogbele, Otari, Omaraka, Rumuekpe, Obum-eze and Oshiugbkor in Ahoada East, Obua/Odua and Emohua Local government areas, respectively.
The graduands were trained for six months on various disciplines such as mobile phone repairs, computer training and maintenance, fish and snail farming, driving, auto mechanic, among others.
Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony/Award of Starter Parks organised by NDPR, the Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Sunny Ejekwu commended the NDPR for its social responsibility to its host communities and called on other oil companies to follow suit in order to enhance the relationship between them and their host communities.
He pointed out that such gesture would go a long way in reducing crimes both in the communities and the state at large.
The Commissioner who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Alawari Ndu, said the training so received by community youths would enable them to stand boldly on their own effortlessly.
“The important thing now is handiwork/skill. It is not about certificate, but the ability to feed oneself, learn trade and whatever that can put food on your table”, he said.
He advised against abandonment of the project half way by awardees, saying doing so may discourage future gestures by similar organisations in the state.
Earlier his his remarks, the Chairman, NDPR Community Development Trust, Chief  Chamberlain Oyibo, said that the 120 recipients of the award were drawn from six host communities of the company.
Oyibo listed the communities to include, Ogbele, Otari, Omaraka, Rumuekpe, Obumeze and Oshiugbokor in Ahoada East, Abua/Odua and Emohua Local Governments respectively.
He disclosed that the beneficiaries were the pioneers of the programme that commenced in January 2020 but suspended for a period of time due to the Coronavirus, last year.
He explained that the skill acquisition programme was organised to prepare the youth for future challenge in view of the predictions by oil and gas experts that the crude oil would soon go into extinction.
“Many international oil companies and some indigenous oil companies have been investing heavily on renewable energy that would be more efficient, cleaner, and environmentally friendly than the crude oil “, he said.
His Royal Majesty, Eze Igbu Upata III, Felix Otuwrikpo, who also addressed the audience, cautioned against selling of the items received by the awardees.
The monarch reminded them that most successful people in the society today, started in a small scale and thanked the oil company for their concern.
Some of the recipients who spoke promised to utilise the items donated by the company as a proof of the importance of the skill they have so far acquired.

By: Tonye Nria-Dappa & King Onunwor