Energy
NCDMB Hands Over Ultramodern Technical Workshops in A/Ibom State
Precious ADELOLA
ABUJA-THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has handed over an ultra-modern Woodwork and Carpentry workshops it renovated and upgraded at the Government Technical College, (GTC) Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem discussing with the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote at the commissioning of the ultra-modern Woodwork and Carpentry workshops renovated and upgraded by the Board at the Government Technical College, (GTC) Abak, Akwa Ibom State recently.
The commissioning of the facility was performed by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
In his address, the Executive Secretary disclosed that NCDMB invests in the rehabilitation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions, (TVETs) because they provide platforms to job creation and self-empowerment. He added that the development of skilled technicians drives the socio-economic growth aspirations of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and engages youths in productive ventures.
He emphasized the need to provide high quality manpower training and skills development for the teeming youths in the country, which was why the Board undertook a study on TVETs in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states to understand the factors militating against the optimal performance of those institutions.
He mentioned that the Board had finalized plans for the implementation of a public-private in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State and a specialist modern furniture production firm, owned and managed by an indigene of the Abak community, in which a certain percentage of the proceeds will be ploughed back for the operational maintenance of the facilities to achieve self-sustenance.
Wabote commended the Abak community and Akwa Ibom State Government for their cooperation in actualizing the projects, stating that the Board’s decision to have earmarked GTC, Abak as one of the flagship beneficiaries of its institutional upgrade program was not an effort in futility. He thanked all stakeholders for the zero-incidence recorded and the unparalleled hospitality the Abak community extended to the contractors and personnel.
He charged the technical institution which is one of the foremost in the region to become a Centre of Excellence in carpentry/woodwork through the provision of high-quality training to both teachers and students in an affordable, safe, sustainable and efficient manner, while satisfying the yearnings of the local and international furniture industry as part of efforts to create wealth and diversify the economy while increasing foreign exchange earnings.
The Executive Secretary decried the low level of students’ enrolment into TVETs institutions, which is less than one percent of the total enrolment in conventional secondary schools.
Noting that youths make up more than 50 percent of the nation’s population, he regretted that the nation is yet to fully harness its potential in driving economic growth as many young people are faced with challenges ranging from lack of practical skills, unemployment and illiteracy, among others.
He also challenged youths of the country to acquire marketable skills and competencies that will position them to overcome the high rate of poverty, social vices, unemployment and underemployment in the country.
He hinted that harnessing and refocusing the creative energies of youths to productive endeavours through an aggressive skills development training in various relevant trades will foster sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Governor commended the Board for partnering with the state to renovate and upgrade the technical facility to create job opportunities for skilled manpower, which illustrates patriotism and commitment to national development.
He asserted that the project was in line with the administration’s industrialization policy of taking youths off the street through efficient skills acquisition and empowerment, and an incubation process of converting these skills into entrepreneurial gains and self-reliance.
The Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Technical Schools Board, (ASTEB), Elder Godwin Udom also stated that the cardinal objective of technical schools is to train persons in diverse practical fields, adding that such schools needed standard and well-equipped workshops with specialized instructors in different trade areas.
Elder Udom expressed gratitude to NCDMB for the project, noting that the project which commenced on January 27, 2019 was now ready for the students to acquire modern skills in furniture making and for the staff to update their knowledge and also assist the unemployed in the community.
The Principal-General of GTC, Abak, Elder Friday Emmanson Udoka also expressed appreciation to NCDMB for choosing the school for its demonstration of technical education advancement. He pledged to ensure that the facilities will be put to maximum use, improving the knowledge and skill of the students and staff.
The Principal-General enumerated other assistance received from the Board to include training of two science teachers and provision of three computer-oriented machines for teaching science subjects and other related subjects to the students.
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide.
The company has also called on Nigerians to monitor and report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.
Biztellers reports that this is consequent upon an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.
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It was gathered that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance.
In a statement on Monday night, the company declared, “Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: NG-FMKPMGWHISTLEBLOWING@NG.KPMG.COM”
Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, “We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol, with many expressing their gratitude to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.
A commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, Ibukun Phillips, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.
“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”
A commercial bus driver, Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.
“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.
A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”
As a direct implication of the Federal Government’s Foreign Direct Investment drive, the Royal Dutch Shell has completed the final investment decision on the deep offshore Bonga North project in Nigeria.
Biztellers reports that the Bonga North will be a subsea tie-back to the Shell-operated Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility which Shell operates with a 55% interest.
Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich, said, “This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged Upstream portfolio”.
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It was gathered that the Bonga North project involves drilling, completing, and starting up 16 wells (8 production and 8 water injection wells), modifications to the existing Bonga Main FPSO and the installation of new subsea hardware tied back to the FPSO.
The company is optimistic that the project will sustain oil and gas production at the Bonga facility.
The Bonga North currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and will reach a peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil a day, with first oil anticipated by the end of the decade.
In addition, the Bonga North will help ensure Shell’s leading Integrated Gas and Upstream business continues to drive cash generation into the next decade.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has received an award as “Energy company of the year (2024)” for its Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility accomplishments.
The award presented by the Nigerian News Direct newspaper, on Friday December 6, 2024, and was received by Manager Communications, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa Business Unit, Victor Anyaegbudike, at a colourful event at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
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The organizers of the award noted that Chevron has implemented the “Protecting People and the Environment” policy, which aims at preventing injuries, illnesses, and environmental incidents. They also referenced that the company has achieved 97% gas flaring reduction in its operations in Nigeria, while implementing waste management and environmental conservation programs.
According to the media organization, Chevron Nigeria has also invested millions of dollars in community development programs, supporting education, health and economic development initiatives that have benefited thousands of people, while ensuring diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement in its business operations.
Receiving the award from the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, Anyaegbudike thanked the organizers for the honour, and reiterated Chevron’s commitment to continue to develop, affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world.
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