The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded the training and empowerment of 100 youths on solar power installation and maintenance.

The training was held at Suleja, Niger State and it lasted for one month and had participants from three zones of Niger State, notably Minna, Bidda and Suleja.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the General Manager, Planning, Research, and Development, NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Hallilu, representing the Executive Sectary, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, highlighted that NCDMB conducted the training as part of the Board’s youth empowerment programme. He explained that the exercise is aimed at contributing to the Federal Government’s goal of reducing the unemployment rate in the country, as well as achieving the Board’s mission of catalysing the linkage sectors of the oil and gas industry.

He added that renewable energy, especially solar energy is getting traction not only in Nigeria but around the world, and that is because of the clamour for energy transition, which is the push to reduce the utilisation of fossil fuels and replace those fuels with renewable energy sources.

Halilu explained that the training was designed to provide the trainees with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills on solar power value chain, including installation, maintenance, repair and entrepreneurship. He mentioned that the programme was designed to make the students self reliant, by providing them with tool kits, two months exit stipend and providing them shops in their communities to start their business.

He also added that the students will be supported to form cooperatives societies, which would enable them access Federal Government’s support funds associated with solar power.

The General Manager further advised the graduating students to hone their newly acquired skills, encouraging them to show professionalism, quality assurance and innovation. He also advised them to create customer database and maintain lasting partnerships so their businesses would thrive.

He described the trainees as ambassadors of the Board and charged them to show good character and integrity wherever they are.

In their testimonies, the graduating students confirmed that theylearnt the intricacies of solar power installations and expressed their appreciation for NCDMB for providing them with the opportunity, which would help them to be self reliant and help their communities.

In his goodwill message, father of the day, the District Head of Magajiya Alh. Dalhatu Adamu thanked NCDMB for bringing such opportunities to Niger State. He also encouraged the trainees to be good ambassadors of their communities and role models for the younger generations.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chief Supervisor, Media and Publicity, NCDMB, Mr. Obinna Ezeobi explained that the success of the Board’s human capacity development initiatives is anchored on the end-to-end strategy of the programmes. This strategy is demonstrated in the quality of the curriculum and the provision of tool kits, exit stipend, rental of shops and support system deployed for the programme. He lauded the organisers of the training – Boss Engineering for the high quality tool kits it provided for the trainees, noting that it portrayed the seriousness of the project.

Highlights of the programme included the practical demonstration of solar installation by students and the presentation of certificates and tool kits.

Similar trainings are ongoing at Oyo State and are being held in Ibadan, Oyo town and Ogbomosho as well as in three locations in Cross River State, namely Calabar, Bekearra and Ogoja.

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