Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

A group, The Nigerian Project (TNP), Rivers State Chapter, has called on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently intervene and restore peace in communities within Emohua Local Government Area currently facing rising tensions.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the group, Dr. Daniel Henacho Eluke, in Port Harcourt, weekend.
The organization expressed concern over what it described as l”the irascible and provocative actions of a certain political arrow head in the area”, which it alleged were fuelling unrest in the area.
The group also accused the present Council administration of Emohua of being “characterised by crises ranging from the sack of the LGA workforce to the illegal dissolution of Community Development Committees (CDCs) and youth associations in communities such as Egbeda , Obelle and Rumuji”, describing the move as a recipe for further instability.
According to the statement, the crises have already resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in affected areas.
“After the dark days of six months of emergency rule, Rivers State and her communities deserve nothing more than peace to drive development and empowerment”, the statement read.
Noted that the State Governor has demonstrated commitment to peace, the group urged him to advise the Council Chairmen whose areas are involved in crises to “let sleeping dogs lie”, stressing that Emohua Local Government Area needs peace and development, not conflicts involving community and youth bodies.
The statement further noted with dismay how the current leadership of Emohua Council has continued to be at the centre of controversies since assuming office.
“In less than two weeks after assumption of office, the Governor intervened in face-off involving the Council Leadership with labour unions. Today, they are at the epicentre of crises”, it said.
It therefore, appealed to Governor Fubara, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, to take decisive steps to restore calm in the area and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“Rivers State needs peace for development to thrive”, it added.
Recall that Emohua Local Government Area has been in the news in recent times following crisis that greeted them with some group blaming it on the Council leadership, whereas the Council shifted the weight to cult related activities.

Tension has gripped Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State following recent youth leadership crisis that led to the death of one person and the burning of the Paramount Ruler’s Palace.
The crisis reportedly broke out during a meeting convened by a company operating in the area to discuss the planned activation of a mini-power generating plant built for the community.
The Tide gathered that the trouble began when the Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, allegedly introduced a new youth President, contrary to the one currently serving, Anele Ogbu.
The announcement sparked a heated argument among the youths, resulting in the stabbing of Mr. Paul Oduveh, a supporter of Comrade Ogbu.
Oduveh was reportedly rushed to the hospital but died on the way.
In retaliation, some angry youths allegedly set the Community’s Paramount Ruler, Eze Christian’s palace ablaze.
The incident has continued to heighten tension in the Community and its environs, with reports of rival youth groups threatening more attacks in the area.
Reacting, Comrade Anele Ogbu accused the local government leadership for allegedly using local vigilantes in the community to create crisis in a known peaceful youth body in the area.
He also accused the Council’s leadership for allegedly using some youth and elders of the Community to attack him and destroying his property.
According to him, the Council Chairman was against him because he refused to align with him politically.
He appealed to security agencies and Government authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of lives.
“If nothing is done, more youths may lose their lives”, Ogbu said.
He expressed concern over the alleged political interference in youth leadership matters, which he noted to be part of the politicians gimmick and preparation of gathering youths ahead of the 2027 election in the Area.
As of press time, the State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, was yet to comment on the incident.

By: Enoch Epelle