The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made an unscheduled visit to a training centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where selected youths from the Niger Delta region are currently undergoing a 21-day intensive training on Fire Alarm and CCTV Installation.
The training, which commenced on October 6, 2025, is one of the numerous human capacity development initiatives sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills.
During the visit, Hon. Ekpo stated that his decision to visit the centre was to encourage the trainees to maximize the opportunity provided by NCDMB for their personal growth and national development. He emphasized that the programme was designed to empower youths in the Niger Delta to become productively engaged in meaningful ventures that add value to their lives and communities.
The Minister commended the NCDMB for its continued commitment to human capacity development and congratulated the participants for their successful selection and participation in the program.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, was represented by Mrs. Bertha Chukwemeka-Alaribe, Zonal Coordinator for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, at the event. In her remarks, Mrs. Chukwemeka-Alaribe commended the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for taking time to visit and encourage the trainees.
She also expressed appreciation to the consultant for a job well done and commended the trainees for their dedication and commitment throughout the 21-day training programme. The Zonal Coordinator further urged the participants to make productive use of the knowledge and skills acquired, describing the capacity-building initiative as a significant milestone in the Board’s efforts to develop skilled and self-reliant Nigerian youths.
During the closing ceremony, the Consultant, Mr. Velly Awala of Velebi Resource Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary and management of NCDMB for the opportunity to organize the training. Mr. Awala noted that the participants were not only trained on Fire Alarm and CCTV installation, but were also equipped with marketing strategies to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
The event was filled with excitement as the trainees demonstrated the practical installation of CCTV systems and fire alarm devices, showcasing the skills acquired during the programme.
In their vote of thanks, the trainees expressed profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for the rare opportunity to participate in the empowerment programme.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and starter packs to the successful participants, marking the formal conclusion of the training.
