By Obiabin Onukwugha
A Host Community Development Trust, HCDT, under TotalEnergies has commenced a skills training for 261 youths and women of the host communities.
The HCDT comprises of Bonny, Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni in Rivers State, and Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State, known as BOPANE.
Speaking at the inaugural and official commencement of the training at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, Chairman of the BOPANE HCDT, Mr. Pius Agba, stated that the initiative is a flagship empowerment program of the Trust towards successful development, empowerment and economic transformation of people of the host communities.
He revealed that beneficiaries will be trained in various vocational and professional skills, including, crane and forklifting operations, industrial scaffolding, industrial welding, biofitting, rope access, mobile operation and biomass area, as well as modern and entrepreneurial skills like cybersecurity, website design, fashion design, catering and confectionaries, hairdressing, amongst others.
“These skills were carefully selected based on current industrial demands, economic realities, opportunities in both the local and global economy.
“We believe that empowering our youth with practical and marketable skills is the most effective way of reducing unemployment, poverty, youth restlessness and social vices in our communities,” Agba said.
He stated that the vision of the HCDT is to raise generation of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans, innovators and industry experts who will contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of the communities and the nation at large.
He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, saying, “This opportunity is valuable and should not be taken for granted.”
“I therefore urge you to approach this training with seriousness, discipline, dedication and commitment. Be punctual, attentive, respectful to your trainers and eager to learn.
“The success of this program will not only depend on the quality of the training provided, but also on your willingness to learn and apply the knowledge and skills acquired,” he stated.
He added that despite challenges, the Trust has remained steadfast in delivering people oriented projects and programs at improving the welfare and living conditions of its post communities.
In his remarks the representative of TotalEnergies, Mr. Godpower Onu, reiterated the company’s commitment to development of the communities.
“This moment reminds us that true development is not only measured by infrastructure or investments, but by the lives we touch and the future we have built together,” he said.
Onukwugha charged the beneficiaries on dedication, saying, “To the young men and women selected for this program today, you are not just trainees, you are symbols of possibility. You represent the strength, resilience and determination of these communities.
“The skills you will acquire here are not merely certificates for employment. They are tools for self reliance, leadership and lasting impact.
“We understand the hopes that families and parents have placed on this initiative. We understand the expectations of the communities and we want to assure you that this program reflects a sincere commitment to human capital, development, inclusion and sustainable partnership.
“Communities thrive when people are empowered. That is why this initiative is so important. It is about creating opportunities that will uplift projects and generations. It is about giving young people the confidence to dream bigger and achieve more,” he stated.
Commenting, the Amadabo of Finima, Bonny Kingdom, HRH, Dr Dagogo Brown, commended TotalEnergies for their commitment in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
He stated that the PIA is the only decision that has brought the oil companies and host communities to a level playing ground.
“What the serlor is bringing to the table is in compliance with the PIA Act. And I see the PIA as an independent beneficiary level or instrument that has now been legislated in Nigeria that has direct benefits to the communities where oil and gas facility traverse.
“Since the exploitation of oil and Gas in 1956 efforts to develop these communities have been futile, particularly the Niger Delta area of Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Brown noted that previous establishments by the federal government, such as OMPADEC, South South Development Commission, and even the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, failed to address development issues is the region because they are politicians.
“The only one thing that is surviving in the Niger Delta, particularly the oil host communities, is the legislative PIA. I’ll tell you the reason. These other ones I mentioned are tied to political government institutions where the local government play, political parties play, state government, the federal government.
“The only equation that has been legislated to tie the company and the communities is the PIA. So development now is in the hands of the community,” he stated.
He also charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by showing humility and ready learn.
Beneficiaries who spoke, promised to utilise the skill for their see elf development and that of their communities.
Daniel Innocent from Eastern Obolo, said, “What I chose is Data Analysis and Cyber security because I love it. It is what I have been looking for opportunity to learn but through the BOPANE, God has helped me to get the opportunity. I will do everything possible to make sure I do this training successfully and come out with flying colours” he said.
