Yemisi Izuora
The NLNG and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have restated their shared commitment to human capital development and technological inclusion through the completion of two key capacity-building projects in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The events featured the commissioning of a remodelled and fully equipped ICT Centre at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, and the close-out ceremony of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Basic Training Programme, a year-long initiative designed to enhance employability and industry skills among young Nigerians.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba Esq., General Manager, Institutional Strengthening, described the ICT Centre as a “gateway to knowledge, innovation, and future opportunities.” He noted that the project reflects both organisations’ shared vision to equip young Nigerians with digital skills and prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT Centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the world. It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the Board and its steadfast commitment to Nigerian Content goals. He emphasised that the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, adding that such investments build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and to improving lives sustainably. She stated that the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgrade executed at Baptist High School, apart from complying with extant regulations under NCDMB’s guidance, is an investment that gives students a modern learning environment and provides teachers with better tools to deliver quality education. This aligns with our long-term commitment to human capital development,” she said.
The intervention at Baptist High School included the delivery of a 40-seater ICT Centre, a 20KVA solar and inverter system, renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, and the provision of digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
At the close-out ceremony of the HCD Basic Training Programme, 30 trainees received international certifications in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Entrepreneurship, and other vital skills for the oil and gas industry.
The ceremonies underscored the joint mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.