15 young trainees, selected from various communities in Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, have graduated from a one-year Technical Skills Acquisition programme fully sponsored by Oriental Energy Resources Limited.
Initiated in 2011, the programme is part of the company’s Capacity Building and Sustainable Development goals, an initiative which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 that focuses on sustainable economic inclusion, productive employment, and decent work for all.
At the graduation ceremony in March 2023, the beneficiaries received post-training certifications including Certificate of Competency, Trade Test Certificate, and Non-Destructive Test (NDT) Certificate. Held at the Azimarine Training School and Fabrication Yard in Ibeno LGA of the state, the intensive training focused on Structural and Pipeline Welding, Pipe Fitting, Sand Blasting and Painting.
From the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Akwa Ibom Zonal Coordinator, Chief Uduak Obot, said the company exemplified the Nigerian Local Content Law required of operators in the industry. “We can say without equivocation and fear of contradiction that Oriental Energy has done the things that please us at Board. We stand to benefit when local capability is enhanced.”
All direct and associated costs were borne by Oriental Energy as a demonstration of its contribution and commitment to Enterprise Development and Support in its host community Mbo LGA and Akwa Ibom State in general. All through the 12 months, the trainees received monthly stipends. In addition, the company covered their personal protection equipment, accommodation, study manuals, health care, transportation, and other requirements.
Also at the graduation, Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, Dr John James Etim, stated that Oriental Energy had been at the forefront of CSR in Akwa Ibom over the years and its manpower development programme would have far-reaching impact.
In the same vein, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Development, Mr Sunny Obot, and the Paramount Ruler of Mbo local government area, HRM Okwong Asukwo Abang, emphasized the significance of the new skills in raising the graduates’ employability and quality of life.
OERL’s Managing Director, Mustafa Indimi, pledged to continue delivering social investments to host communities in line with the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.
This year’s beneficiaries of the Technical Skills Acquisition programme, all from Mbo, have emerged as specialists positioned for in-demand roles globally and equipped to make high-level skilled contributions across industries.
