EFFURUN/Nigeria: Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has flagged off a three-week capacity building programme on rigging and scaffolding for youths across the district in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and boost technical manpower development.
The training programme, designed to equip participants with practical skills for opportunities in the oil and gas and construction sectors, places emphasis on employability, safety competence and self-reliance.
Representing Senator Dafinone at the flag-off ceremony, his Chief of Staff, Olorogun Barr. Adelabu Bojor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate investment in human capital development and youth empowerment across Delta Central.
The programme was formally inaugurated at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, on May 25, 2026, in the presence of stakeholders, dignitaries and political representatives.
Bojor explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, describing both as critical technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects and oil and gas installations.
According to him, the initiative was conceived to reduce dependency among youths by equipping them with practical, job-ready skills capable of creating long-term economic opportunities.
He noted that the programme aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a sustainable pathway to empowerment and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Senator Dafinone for sponsoring the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention addressing manpower shortages within the industry.
Bai said the programme supports the NCDMB’s mandate of deepening local content capacity development, noting that despite the increasing number of graduates, the oil and gas industry still grapples with shortages of industry-ready technical personnel.
He stressed that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills essential across fabrication yards, offshore platforms and construction sites, adding that the training helps bridge the gap between certification and practical competence.
The NCDMB representative also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to uphold high standards of professionalism, safety and discipline throughout the exercise.
He urged participants to remain focused, committed and disciplined to maximise the opportunity.
Also speaking, Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, described the programme as a significant step toward strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba noted that scaffolding and rigging skills are increasingly in demand across residential, commercial and industrial construction projects, adding that the training offers genuine employment prospects for beneficiaries.
He advised participants to place greater value on knowledge acquisition and certification rather than short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He further cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, urging them to remain focused and take full advantage of the programme.
One of the participants, Onosigho Oghenewaire, described the initiative as life-changing, expressing optimism that the training would positively shape his future and improve his career prospects.
