By John Ikani
The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) on Friday launched the third phase of their Vocational Skills Programme at the Raw Materials and Research Development Centre Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbeunderscored the Board’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic restoration agenda, particularly in human capital development and youth empowerment. He acknowledged ITF’s efforts in vocational, technical, and entrepreneurship skills development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Executive Secretary was represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Dr. Ama Ikuru. He emphasized that the vocational training for 100 Nigerian youths aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIC) Act 2010 and NCDMB’s 10-year roadmap. The six-month training includes classroom instruction and intensive hands-on practicals.
Director General ITF, Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatonye, represented by the Director of the Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Olayinka Shodunke, while delivering the welcome address highlighted the Federal Government’s dedication to equipping Nigerian youths with advanced technical and vocational skills to tackle poverty and unemployment. He recalled the 2019 visit by the NCDMB management team to the Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC) in Abuja, which led to the initiative to train 225 unemployed youths in technical vocational skills.
Oluwatonye urged trainees to fully utilize the training to empower themselves and contribute to the Nigerian economy, cautioning them against selling the start-up kits provided at the end of the programme. He expressed gratitude to the Honorable Minister for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anita, for her unwavering support, and thanked NCDMB’s management for their collaboration.
The programme collaborates with three professional bodies—Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Association of Engineering Craftsmen – COREN, and CISCO Academy—to ensure trainees receive professional certification in industrial automation, mechatronics, instrumentation, and process control.
Various speakers at the event encouraged the trainees to remain disciplined and dedicated throughout the training.
Other notable attendees at the event included the General Manager of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Mr. Augustine Timbiri, and the Deputy Director and Area Manager of ITF’s Gwagwalada office, Alhaji Inuwa Samaila.
