Petroleum minister commends NCDMB on community-focused interventions

The Nigerian government has praised the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its recent contribution to local development through a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre. The facility was officially commissioned on Saturday during a ceremony held at Ika Comprehensive High School in Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State. The event was attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, who lauded the NCDMB for its efforts in using the Local Content Policy to drive socio-economic progress through targeted community initiatives. The ICT Centre, constructed and fully equipped by the NCDMB, is designed to serve as a hub for digital learning, research, and skill development. It includes a modern computer laboratory with 50 networked desktop workstations, an interactive smart board, projector, server room, and Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. These features enable students and educators to engage in advanced digital activities, including online learning, computer-based examinations, and access to global knowledge resources. The facility is capable of accommodating up to 70 users simultaneously and offers air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, storage areas, and additional convenience facilities. To ensure reliable power supply, the Centre is equipped with both a 15kVA generator and a 15kVA solar power system with battery backup. A dedicated network infrastructure supports seamless connectivity throughout the premises. The Minister emphasized that the Centre goes beyond being a physical structure, describing it as an investment in the future of the region's youth and a gateway to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes youth empowerment, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth. By providing young Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, with essential digital skills, the project aims to prepare them for participation in a rapidly evolving technology-driven economy. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, highlighted the importance of digital literacy and ICT capacity development within the Board’s broader mission of building a skilled workforce for the Nigerian oil and gas sector and the national economy. Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services, reiterated that the Centre serves as a tangible example of how Nigerian Content goals can extend beyond industrial settings into educational institutions, fostering innovation and technological proficiency among the next generation. Halilu underscored the need for sustained collaboration between the NCDMB, the school administration, and the local community to ensure the Centre’s long-term viability. He called for active community involvement in maintaining and utilizing the facility, stressing that the ultimate goal is to witness measurable improvements in the academic and professional trajectories of the students who benefit from the resource. Alexander Nsidibe, Managing Director of Standard Institute of Technology Limited, which delivered the project, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his organization. He viewed the Centre as a demonstration of the NCDMB’s dedication to developing high-quality infrastructure and enhancing human capital. Nsidibe committed to supporting the Centre’s upkeep for one year following its official handover, ensuring its smooth operation during the initial phase of usage. The completion of the ICT Centre marks a significant step forward in the NCDMB’s strategy to leverage technology and education as catalysts for regional development and national competitiveness. As the facility becomes operational, it is anticipated that it will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and empowering the younger population with the tools needed to thrive in the modern economy.