50 NCDMB trainees graduate in crane operations in Rivers

Fifty trainees sponsored by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have graduated in crane operations during a ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday. The graduates completed both Level 1 and Level 2 training modules, marking a milestone in the board's efforts to enhance local participation in the oil and gas sector. The event was attended by officials from the NCDMB and representatives from the training institution, Zigma Limited. The graduation ceremony took place following a four-week training program designed to equip participants with essential skills in crane operations. The training included classroom instruction and hands-on practice, covering topics such as crane operating principles, lifting operations, equipment inspection, load-handling techniques, signaling and communication, hazard identification, risk assessment, and health, safety, and environment best practices. Emphasis was also placed on professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and adherence to industry standards. Speaking at the event, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, highlighted the importance of developing local talent to bolster the country's oil and gas industry. He emphasized that the training aimed to increase the involvement of indigenous workers in the sector and prepare them for available job opportunities. Ogbe urged the graduates to remain committed to the board’s core values, patriotism, professionalism, integrity, creativity, passion, and teamwork, which he said had contributed to the progress and opportunities witnessed in the industry. Ogbe, who was represented by Halvin Okonmah, noted that the program sought to strengthen business capacity, drive innovation, and promote sustainable growth in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. He expressed hope that the graduates would contribute positively to the industry and serve as role models for others. Funmi Ogbue, the Managing Director of Zigma Limited, which facilitated the training, praised the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to act as ambassadors for the NCDMB and the training institution. She described the event as a celebration of transformation, discipline, and opportunity, emphasizing the collaborative effort among institutions, the industry, and individuals to build the capacity of Nigerians to compete and lead within the sector. Ogbue noted that the initiative attracted a large number of applicants, with 355 candidates submitting applications from diverse backgrounds. After a thorough review process, 65 applicants were shortlisted for a physical screening. Of these, 50 were selected to participate in the training program. All 50 participants successfully completed the course, achieving a high completion rate that reflected their commitment and the effectiveness of the program. During the training, participants engaged in intensive theoretical and practical sessions, gaining both technical knowledge and the confidence needed to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Ogbue highlighted the integration of theory with practice as one of the program's key strengths, ensuring that graduates were well-prepared for professional roles in the industry. The NCDMB continues to prioritize initiatives that support the development of local human capital, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign expertise and foster sustainable growth in the energy sector. With the recent graduation of these trainees, the board reinforces its commitment to empowering Nigerian professionals and advancing the country's position in the global oil and gas landscape.