From Joseph Obukata, Warri
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has graduated 195 indigenes after they successfully completed the six-month vocational training in various disciplines from its skills acquisition academy.
The beneficiaries, who were drawn from oil producing communities in the state, went home with various starter packs to commence their entrepreneurial journeys following a graduation ceremony held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, recently.
It was the fourth edition of the skills acquisition scheme which started in 2021.
Speaking at the ceremony as a special guest of honour, Governor Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, applauded the efforts of DESOPADEC in fostering a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders to combat rising unemployment.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on DESOPADEC Matters, Hon. Basil Ganagana, emphasized the importance of skills training and entrepreneurship development as solutions to the escalating rates of youth unemployment and restiveness.
Oborevwori highlighted the crucial role of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy in equipping young people with the necessary technical skills, vocational training, values and resources to become successful entrepreneurs and job creators.
He said: “I begin my address this morning by commending the Board and Management of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for their dedication and commitment to raising a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders and wealth creators. I am glad that the leadership of the Board is continuing this endearing legacy of the immediate past administration.
“It is no secret that many Nigerians are falling into the poverty bracket daily and the percentage of the unemployed and underemployed is worrisome. Skills training and entrepreneurship development is one of the surest ways of ridding our society of the scourge of youth unemployment and the attendant youth restiveness.
“This is exactly what DESOPADEC is doing with its skills academy, which equips our youths with the technical know-how, vocational skills, values, and resources to become wealth and job creators.
“The era of giving out hand-outs in the name of youth or women empowerment is over. We must equip our people with the soft skills – knowledge, mind-set change, personal development, and business/leadership skills – that will help them succeed in life. This mindset change is good for our people, and a motivation for this administration to continue to invest in these entrepreneurship development programmes.”
Oborevwori congratulated the graduating students, who were presented with starter packs to commence their entrepreneurial journey.
Earlier, Managing Director/CEO of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor,
said that the 195 graduates completed their six-month vocational training in various disciplines, including catering and confectioneries, fashion design, hairdressing, welding and fabrication, software and hardware development, POP, tiling and interlocking, and electrical installation and repairs.
He said that the skill academy, which has graduated over 600 trainees since its inception in 2021, aligns with the Delta State Government’s human capital development agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ochonogor announced that all graduates would receive Grade A Starter Packs, including work facilities, gadgets, and financial support to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey. He urged the graduates to use these resources to make Delta State proud and lift others from unemployment.
In a welcome address, Executive Director of Social Services at the DESOPADEC, Chief Favour O. Izoukumor, said that the ceremony marked the end of a fruitful journey for the graduates, who have undergone rigorous training in various fields.
Izoukumor, while congratulating the graduates, acknowledged their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
“To the graduates, I want to extend my warmest congratulations on this remarkable achievement. You have undergone an incredible journey of self-discovery, growth, and skill development. Throughout this program, you have demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to your personal and professional growth. Today, we applaud your hard work and celebrate your success.”
He said that the DESOPADEC Skills Academy was established with the vision of empowering individuals with the requisite knowledge and tools that “will enable you to thrive in today’s competitive world. It is a testament to your dedication and the support of the DESOPADEC team, that you stand here today as graduates equipped with practical skills that will shape your future.
“Remember that the greatest achievements often arise from the most difficult circumstances. DESOPADEC is here to support you in line with Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda because we believe the next, ADangotes, Otedolas, Elumelus, and even global luminaries like Gates and Buffets are among this set of 2023 graduands, who will be the next transformative change makers and entrepreneurs.”
He urged the graduates to embrace the challenges and obstacles that come with stepping into the next phase of their journey, reminding them that the greatest achievements often arise from the most difficult circumstances.
“Remember that success is not measured solely by material wealth or societal recognition but by the impact you make in the lives of others and the positive change you bring to the world around you. Permit me to note that as you step into the next phase of your journey, there will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But I implore you to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, see them as stepping stones and let them be springboards to propel you beyond your limits”, he said.