By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12month training program at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State. The initiative will equip 60 young Nigerians with specialized expertise in oil and gas engineering as well as other critical technical skills, fostering a new generation of industry-ready professionals.

The programme is on the back of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC HCD) Training Programme for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s EPU Phase 2 Gas Development Project. It is designed to equip participants with advanced technical expertise. The curriculum spans engineering design, fitter machining, conventional machine tool operations, programming, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), electrical and mechanical maintenance, and document control.

Structured over 12 months, the programme combines six months of intensive classroom instruction with six months of supervised on-the-job training in reputable companies. Graduates are expected to earn internationally recognized certifications upon completion.

At the official launch held at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to bridging critical technical skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Represented by Mr. Tare Bufazi, Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Bamidele described the initiative as a strategic intervention to address manpower shortages and prepare Nigerians for meaningful participation across the oil and gas value chain.

“The importance of this programme cannot be overstated,” he noted, revealing that the 60 trainees—comprising 33 graduates and 27 vocational trainees—would undergo specialized training tailored to industry needs. He emphasized that NCDMB’s mission extends beyond promoting local participation to building the technical capabilities required to sustain the sector. Human capacity development, he stressed, is central to strengthening local content, creating opportunities, and advancing the Federal Government’s industrialization agenda.

Bamidele urged participants to approach the programme with discipline and commitment, highlighting that it offers more than certificates—it builds practical competence and professional experience for long-term careers. He also acknowledged the contributions of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Seflam SGL, and Nigeria Machine Tools, whose collaboration made the initiative possible.

Speaking on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Richard Oyiborhor, Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project, reiterated the company’s dedication to nurturing Nigerian talent and strengthening local capabilities. He commended NCDMB’s leadership in advancing Nigerian content and praised the partnership with Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools as a vital step in developing the nation’s industrial workforce.

Mrs. Bisola Agboluaje, Senior Manager, Business Interface at Seflam SGL, congratulated the trainees and traced the programme’s origins to 2024, when NCDMB approved the training plans. She described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s technical talent pool.

Nigeria Machine Tools’ Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Obehi Ojeagha, welcomed the participants and lauded the collaboration. She emphasized the institution’s 46-year legacy in supporting Nigeria’s industrial development and expressed confidence that the trainees would acquire the skills, discipline, and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector.

By David Owei, Yenagoa

A group, the Niger Delta Progressive Alliance (NDPA) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 Presidential Elections.
The group said Tinubu’s reforms has shown that he has the boldness to tackle the demands of the Niger Delta people.

Convener of the group, Amb. Nse Victor Udoh, made the declaration at an event organised by the group in Bayelsa State to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence with the theme: “The Legacy of Bold Reforms: Evaluative Review of the Tinubu Reforms in Three Years in Relation to the Quest For Sustainable Development for Niger Deltans”.

He said people of the Niger Delta are currently demanding 25 percent derivation, adding that from all the frontline presidential candidates, only Tinubu has the boldness to take such difficult decision in the interest of the region.
Udoh said the group is supporting Tinubu also because the First Lady of the country, Senator Remi Tinubu is a daughter of the region.

“From all indications, all human beings are political animals, and we have seen that political decisions and participation, guide all the management of the resources in our region.

The Niger Delta people are asking for the upping of our resource derivation formula from 13% to 25%. And we see that it’s a difficult decision to take.

“We have looked at the three front-line candidates in the forthcoming elections and we think that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the boldness that he has displayed, the decisions that he has taken from removal of oil subsidy and the rest of them, that are very tough, it is clear that he is the one that can align with this kind of decision.

“So, as moved by the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Niger Delta Progressive Alliance and the entire hall responding in unison from all angles, it’s clear that the Niger Delta people, through the Niger Delta Progressive Alliance, a community-based organization relating with the lowest people at the grassroots, have given the thumbs-up to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform and are endorsing him for 2027 Election because of two major reasons; his reform possibilities and the fact that the First Lady is one of our daughters, ” Udoh stated.

He added that President Tinubu’s decision especially with the removal of fuel subsidy has ensured that there is money for the government to embark on infrastructural development in the country.

He said the president in three years has proven what he can do for the country, assuring that the Niger Delta people would respond by voting massively for him in 2027.

“Niger Delta people are interested in real reality and the real reality that has guaranteed availability of funds for infrastructural development is what we will go with.

“The second one is that all of the candidates are only saying what they will do.This president in three years has demonstrated what he can do through tough decisions. And that tough decision is what will guarantee the development of our country.
“All nations of the world that has developed before, developed on tough decisions.

“Like the president said last week that the days of decisions are over. It’s now time for prosperity. Niger Delta people from all over our communities, we will report back at the elections, ” he declared.

He assured that in 2027, aside the North-West, the Niger Delta region will bring back the second highest votes as it was during the 2007, 2011 and 2015 elections.

Udoh said the group is already putting in place structures to comb the entire region in canvassing votes for President Tinubu.

Also speaking, Chief Jato Abido, a stakeholder said Nigerians before now knew what was wrong with the country but lacked the boldness to take those decisions.
He said Tinubu’s bold decisions had ensured that governors including those from the Niger Delta States have more funds to carryout developmental projects.

He also pointed to some Tinubu’s decisions in the region to include the support for the Presidential Amnesty Project (PAP) the establishment of the Federal University of Environment Technology in Ogoniland, the ongoing Ogoni Clean-up Exercise embarked upon by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the completion of the Bonny-Bodo road amongst others.

The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS-JCC) Chairman, Bayelsa State, Comrade Lucky Michael, said Tinubu’s decision to institute the National Education Fund (NELFUND) which has now made students who couldn’t afford their fees to go to school has been a blessing to the students community in the region.

He noted that before now, several students had to drop out of school because of their inability to pay their fees but the scheme has given them assurance of completing their education.

The students’ leader, however, appealed to the government to resolve the delays encountered by some students who have applied and are yet to access the funds.

“We are grateful to the Federal Government. We are grateful for this initiative to empower Nigerian students and appeal that this should continue and be sustained.

“And as many that have applied, the delay process should be sorted out because some schools don’t allow them to write exams, so we are pleading with the Federal Government and to the bodies in charge of this, to look into it and see that those things are taken care of,” he said.

On the controversial issue of fuel subsidy Ambassador Udoh said; “We reject the return of fuel subsidy because of it’s massive fraudulent process, as we supported subsidy removal during President Goodluck Luck Jonathan’s administration, our position has not changed”.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, advocated an increase in the 13 per cent derivation to oil producing states in the country.

Chief Obasanjo said the present benchmark was a starting point that can be negotiated upwards.

The former president spoke at a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) of the Azikel Refinery at Obunagha in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The one billion dollar refinery project, which is owned by the Azikel Petroleum under the Azikel Group, is expected to produce 2.5 million litres of fuel and 2 million litres of diesel daily among other petroleum products.

Obasanjo lauded the Azikel Group president, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, for initiating the refinery project and urged him to ensure its completion within the next 12 months.

He expressed appreciation to the refinery’s technical and engineering team as well as the African Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Afrexim Bank for their support to the project and advocated more support to ensure its completion.

Obasanjo also lauded the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for suppporting the project, saying whenever Eruani spoke to him about it, he always mentioned the governor’s contribution.

He further stated that the governor has put into proper use funds accruable to Bayelsa as evident in the numerous projects all over the state.

He said: “I have told Dr. Eruani that I will be officially 90 years by next year March. It means I will take the boarding pass soon. So, he has to make sure the project is completed before I exit.

“Governor, I want to thank you most sincerely. Every time Dr. Eruani has spoken to me about this project, he has mentioned the critical role you have been playing and that is the way to go.

“You are right that the states and oil producing communities have not got a fair deal so far. Thirteen per cent is the beginning. You can continue to talk. The most important thing is that even the little you have received, you have used it well.

“I want to express appreciation to those who have given the technical and engineering suppprt for this project. When I came here (eight years ago), there was nothing like this but now it has become a diffrent thing.

“I want also to thank those two financial institutions, African Finanace Corporation and the Afrexim Bank. My challenge to you Dr. Eruani is to ensure that the refinery is completed within the next 12 months. With this done, you can even double the capacity.”

Also speaking, President, Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, stated that the refinery will kickstart Bayelsa’s and Niger Delta region’s industrialisation, recalling how Obasanjo laid the foundation for the refinery eight years ago, and expressed delight over his presence for the installation of the CDU, which he described as the beginning of the completion of the refinery.

Eruani said the refinery was conceived to ensure that the Niger Delta becomes an active player in the oil industry, saying it is the second largest full scale refinery in the country.

He hailed President Bola Tinubu for supporting indigenous refineries, saying they stand in alignment with the vision of the Federal Government to make petroleum products available and affordable to the people.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Diri as well as the AFC and the Afrexim Bank for their invaluable support.

In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri said the refinery justified the years of agitation by the region against the injustice in the oil industry.

He noted that as producers of crude oil, the peeople of the region deserved to be key players in the industry.

Governor Diri again faulted the Land Use Act and the current 13 per cent derivation to oil producing states, and maintained that the region deserved more from their God-given resources as obtainable in other parts of he world.

He expressed delight over the establishment of the refinery, saying it will make peoole of the state major players in the oil industry and charged Bayelsans to equip themselves to benefit from the project.

Diri also emphasised the need for Africans to proceess their own resources as it was the only way the continent can benefit from them.

The Bayelsa helmsman called on the oil companies operating within the Gbarain/Obunagha area to complement the efforts of the state government by rehabilitating the road leading to the refinery.

His words: “As people of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, we have protested and fought because we feel that God gave us something in our land but we are not benefiting from it. Others are benefiting and saw us as second class citizens. It has been a long journey to be part of what God has given to us under our soil.

“The Land Use Act is unfair. Surface resources belong to states but what lies underneath belongs to the Federal Goverment. That law in obnoxious and not good for any just society.

“We do not want to take all to ourselves. We just want to be co-players in determining how it is done. Thirteen per cent is not enough for the states.”

He congratulated Eruani on behalf of people of the state while charging other youths to emulate the Azikel Group president.

In their separate remarks, a board member of the Azikel Petroleum, Dr. Daru Owei, and the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, both lauded Eruani for the project, saying it will impact positively on the economic fortunes of the state, the region and the country.