By Our Correspondent
The President of oil-rich Ugborhen Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Anthony Ayovogware Amitaye has flagged off a Skill Acquisition Training Programme for 35 youths of the community in different disciplines.
In his opening speech at the ceremony,Chief Amitaye, thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for creating an enabling environment between the Ugborhen community and Seplat petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDCL) adding that, the industrial harmony which exist between them has brought unprecedented growth and Development to the community.
The President further lauded the Management of Seplat petroleum Development Company limited (SPDCL) for the good gesture.
Chief Amitaye noted that Skill Acquisition was the way forward for Nigeria’s Technological take-off, emphasizing that the nation must look beyond oil.
While explaining the importance of the training, Chief Amitaye advised the trainees to be of good conduct during the training.
Stressing the importance of the programe, Amitaye maintained that the program is a very good way of alleviating poverty and keying into the Delta State Government’s SMART agenda of his Excellency Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the mantra of prosperity for all Deltans.
The President added that at the end of the training the youths will not only be out of the labour market but, they will be employers of labour, urging them to make good use of the opportunity provided them.
He further revealed that the project is financed from the Ugborhen/Seplat project accounts totaling N55.295,000 .00.
Chief Amitaye who rolled out a dossier of his achievements, recalling that his tenure as the president of Ugborhen Community has witnessed massive development.
He hinted that first set of graduates of the skill acquisition programme has been fully engaged into productive ventures, saying that the Ugborhen ultra modern town hall is under construction, the drainage “system construction is near completion.
According to him, the fencing of the teachers quarters, solar powered water project amongst other works are ongoing.
In his remarks, Speaker, Delta State of House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Ovwhigho Igbuya commended the effort of the leadership of the community, especially the president.
He maintained that skill acquisition is a good way of removing poverty which is a cardinal focal point of the SMART agenda of Governor Okowa.
The Speaker promised that he will use his good offices to act as an interface between the Ugborhen community and the state government in ensuring that the SMART agenda Programme of Governor Okowa is made visible to the community.
Speaking on behalf of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDCL) Mr. Lucky Obiuwovwi, the Community Relations’ Manager noted that the Ugborhen Community is very peaceful and friendly to the company and as such the Management is happy and proud to work in partnership with the community.
Mr. Obiuwovwi stated further that the training, was one of the ways through which poverty can be alleviated, adding that as a dependable Corporate body, the Company was committed to the well being of its host community.
Also speaking during the flag off ceremony, the General Manager/Chief Training Officer of Utagba Uno Vocational Enterprise Institute, Mr. Ayeni Ayotade said that, at the end of one year duration of the training Program, all the participants will become Professionals in their chosen Career.
Mr. Ayotade while assuring the Community President and the Seplat Management of good service delivering for the contract, he thanked the duo for finding the institute worthy for the training.
He assured that what the trainees will become at the end of the training will convince even a doubting Thomas to patronize the institute for man power training.
In his remark, the spokesman of the community Mr. David Ukuegbuwa thanked Chief Amitaye for his Collaborative effort to draw development partners to the community.
Also speaking during the event, the secretary General Comrade Peter Awe, posited that the good things that Ugborhen Community is experiencing shows that Chief Amitaye led EXCO is indeed a divine mandate.
The Youth Leader of the Community, Mr. Sunday Waka, who spoke on behalf of Believe Ekpekpe, Agbamu Sunday, Elohor Akpolo and other participants specifically thanked Chief Amitaye for his efforts in bringing development to the community and empowering the people,describing him as an achiever per excellent.
Speaking further Mr. Waka asserted that under his regime as President the entire Community has seen more light and visible progress, promising that the participants will go about their training with all diligence.
