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Ogu/Bolo Intensifies Human Capital Dev …Commissions Skills Centre, Equipment
In keeping with his promise of ensuring that youths in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area were properly trained, equipped, employable, occupationally-mobile and set to be independent entrepreneurs, the Chairman, Barrister Vincent Nemieboka, has commissioned a fully-equipped skills acquisition centre in Ogu, with a commitment to intensify human capital development for the benefit of all in the area.
The building, which was built by previous administration, was rehabilitated and renovated by Nemieboka, and equipped by Technip FMC.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Nemieboka, thanked the management of Technip FMC for deeming it fit to equip the skills centre as part of their cooperate social responsibility (CSR) to the host community.
He said there was a paradox in the educational sector where people with certificates do not have skills, and those with skills do not have certificates, adding that this was a source of unemployment crisis in the nation.
The facilities were handed over to Ogu community by Technip FMC as CSR to its host communities.
However, Nemieboka appealed to the chiefs of Ogu community to hand the facility over to the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council for proper maintenance and optimal utilisation.
He said, if this was done, the council would maintain the equipment, and also provide instructors to teach the students.
Nemieboka said the council was interested in training and ensuring the youths of the area have skills, adding that it was for this reason that the council issued 2,500 application forms to eligible and interested youths in the area to apply to participate in capacity building training in the facility to equip them for the future.
He added that in the process, the council would get relevant information and statistics on what the youths were interested in so that more energy and resources could be channelled to the critical areas of need.
On the issue of starter packs, Nemieboka said no package would be given to anyone at the end of the training but added that those who genuinely use the skills they have learnt to start a business would be supported by the council to boost their businesses.
He appealed to youths in the area to avail themselves of the opportunity created by the establishment of the facility.
He called on Technip FMC not to relent in their CSR as there was room for more equipment like culinary and baking, welding and fabrication, heavy and light duty driving, among others.
Speaking earlier, the Business Development Manager, Technip FMC, Mr Sam Ben Ohen, said Technip FMC was a proud stakeholder in Ogu community, and has been able to do their business in peace because of the cordial relationship they have with their host community.
He said the project was a way of thanking the community for being a good host, which has enabled Technip FMC to impact positively in the lives of the people.
Ohen urged the community to secure and maintain the equipment, and prayed that when they come back for progress assessment of the facility, the results would be encouraging.
Also giving his opening remarks, the Chairman, Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs (ODCC), Chief Lawrence Williams Iyama, said the people would depend less on government when they have skills that would make them self-reliant entrepreneurs.
He thanked Technip FMC for conceiving such noble initiative that would better the lives of the people in Ogu community, and promised that the beneficiaries would concentrate and be commitment to learning and improving their skills.
The Ogu Community Liaison Officer of Technip FMC, Mr Fred Iyaye, while taking dignitaries round the facility, said it was structured to train over 1,000 people, adding that this would be done in batches.
The facilities in the training centre include, hairdressing,, pedicure and manicure equipment, sewing machines, weaving and embroidery machines, accessories and consumables.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.