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HCD: NCDMB/ITF begin training of 255 Youths in Vocational Skills
“the enormous challenges posed by unemployment and poverty in the country can only be tackled successfully through the collaborative efforts of agencies and organizations”.
…9000 trained since inception of Board
Modupe ASUDO
LAGOS-IN an effort aimed at sustaining its commitment towards Human Capacity Development, HCD, The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has partnered the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to tutor 255 Nigerian youths in nine vocational skills.
The six months training is being funded by the NCDMB and will be conducted by the ITF, covering classroom and intensive practical exercises in Hospitality and Tourism, Mobile Phone Repairs and Troubleshooting, Information and Communication Technology, Electrical/Electronic Technology and Industrial Automation and Mechatronics.
Other areas include Instrumentation and Process Control, Mechanical Services & Maintenance, Residential Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Maintenance and Building Technology.
The kick-off ceremony was held on Thursday in Abuja, the beneficiaries having been selected from the Board’s NOGIC-JQS platform, with representation from the six geo-political zones of the country. A further selection exercise was organised for the trainees, involving computer-based tests and oral interviews in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote spoke at the ceremony, where he affirmed that the initiative was consistent with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, targeted at growing Nigerian Content from 27 percent in 2017 to 70 percent by 2027.
The Roadmap also aspires to retain over US$14bn out of US$20bn estimated annual industry spend in-country and create over 300,000 direct and indirect employment.
The intent of the NCDMB/ITF collaboration is to close gaps in vocational and entrepreneurship skills among Nigerian youths, drive self-employment and value creation in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors and address youths’ redundancy and loss of economic value of human capital needed to drive economic growth, he explained.
Part of the goal is also to strengthen the linkage between the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the Nigerian economy and complement the Federal Government`s commitments and efforts towards job creation and diversification of the Nigerian economy.
Wabote highlighted the premium NCDMB places on human capital development, adding that “from the inception of the Board in 2010, over 9,000 Nigerians have benefited from our training in various skill areas for graduates and artisans resulting in over 10 million training man-hours.”
He assured that NCDMB will continue its training interventions and was widening its coverage to vocational and entrepreneurship skills, which are critical to the creation of employment, sustainable growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy.
He expressed delight over the Board’s partnership with ITF, which has excelled in the strategic role of leading the development of knowledge and skills in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
In her remarks, the Minister of State, Industry, Trade & Investment Amb. Mariam Yalwaji katagum said the event underscored “the commitment of the Federal Government towards improving the country’s economy and livelihood of the citizenry by equipping the Nigerian youth with requisite skills for entrepreneurship and employability, in spite of the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
She urged the trainees to seize the privileged opportunity and use the skills they will acquire to not only put food on their table, but to meaningfully contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
The Director-General of ITF, Mr. Joseph Ari commended the NCDMB for “its numerous skills programmes that have empowered thousands of Nigerians with cutting-edge skills for employability and entrepreneurship.”
He hinted that the enormous challenges posed by unemployment and poverty in the country can only be tackled successfully through the collaborative efforts of agencies and organizations.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
READ MORE: Trump Dismisses Four Biden-Appointed Officials, Signals More Shake-ups
“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.
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