GMOU: NPDC/FHN Empowers Youths and Women in OML 26 Host Communities

Prince Johnson  Akpomalue
 Chairman OML 26 CDB

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The management  of Community Development  Board (CDB) of Oil Mining Licence (OML) 26, has flagged-off a three-day (11-13 July, 2018) empowerment and capacity  building programme at NUT Hall,  Ozoro, Isoko  North Local Government Area, Delta State.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of OML 26 Community Development Board Prince Johnson Akpomalue stated that Article 12 of the Global Memorandum of Understanding GMoU mandates CDB to carry out capacity building programme for the benefit of the youths and women in the host communities.
He said that the capacity building programme is sponsored by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company /First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited (NPDC/FHN 26 AMT).
Akpomalue further stated that the programme is targeted at those who have acquired various skills but are unable to establish due to financial constraints. "The current programme from the GMoU funds of 2013 and 2014 is targeted at those who have acquired various skills but are unable to establish due to financial constraints", he said.
According to Akpomalue, a total of three hundred and four beneficiaries are to be provided with starter packs or grants to enable them kick-start or continue their own business or education.
He disclosed that 189 beneficiaries will go home with starter packs  and 115 students will be given grants to enable them continue with their studies in various educational institutions in Nigeria.

The beneficiaries were presented to the audience by the CDB Secretary Barr. Charles Oniyere.
In his response, the Chief Operations Officer of OML 26 Asset ManagementTeam represented by Mr.  Emmanuel Okah praised the management of CDB "for making us proud." Okah said it is beautiful to to have a programme like this. He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity. He said that empowerment programme like this are not easy to come by. "For you you to be one of the beneficiaries, make good use of it so that the efforts  of the CDB and the communities would not be a waste," he advised.
Prince Akpomalue thanked the management team of NPDC/FHN 26 AMT and all members if OML 26 CDB for their focus and sacrifice in ensuring that the vision  and goals of OML 26 GMoU are fulfilled.
At the first induction talk,  Mr.  Oba, General Marketing Officer Vocational and Technical Education,  Delta State,  spoke on the topic "Business and Its Environment in Nigeria".
The event was graced by many dignatories. The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon.  Emmanuel Egbabor was represented by the Secretary to the Council, Mr. Kome Ozue.  The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom HRM Barr. Anthony Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1(JP) was represented by Chief Charles Akeni the Inifovie of Ozoro Kingdom. HRM (Hon.) Gibson O. Akporeha 1, the Odio-Ologbo of Onorgbokor. The Odio-Ologbo of Owhe Kingdom HRM Romanus Inana (JP) Okpuzo 1 was represented by the Otota of the kingdom Chief  J.  Ebiri (JP). The Obi of Abor Kingdom HRM Obie Imegwu II was represented by Chief Lukas Obiosa. ASP Richard  Akpati represented the DPO of Ozoro. Other stakeholders including the President General of Ozoro Kingdom Mr. Nicholas Areh also attended.