By Uko Etim

UYO—The Bony, Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni and Eastern Obolo Host communities Development Trust under the acronym ‘BOPANE’ has announced a training programme for 261 youths drawn from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State

The chairman Board of Trustees of the Trust, Mr Sampson Agba, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Trust Skills Acquisition programme held in Porharcourt, Rivers State on Friday.

He said the initiative is one of the flagship empowerment of the Trust, adding that beneficiaries would be trained in oil and gas related skills such as crane, and forklifting operations, industrial scaffolding and sundry other skills l selected based on current industry demands, economic realities and emerging opportunities in both the local and global economy.

According to him, the training reflects the Trust’s vision of not only distributing benefits but also creating lasting impact through human capital development and community advancement, by raising a generation of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators for growth and prosperity of the communities

” Today is another bold step in our collective journey towards sustainable development, empowerment and economic transformation of our people.

“This initiative which will train 261 youths from Bony, Opobo/Nkoro in Rivers and Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State, in various vocational and professional skills,is one of the flagship empowerment programme of this Trust. The training areas include oil and gas related skills such as crane, and forklifting operations, industrial scaffolding, industrial welding and pipe fitting, rope access, mobile crane operation and modern and Entrepreneurial skills like cyber security,data analysis and others

“These skills were carefully selected based on current industry demands, economic realities and emerging opportunities in both the local and global economy. We believe strongly that empowering our youths with practical and marketable skills is one of the most effective ways of reducing unemployment, poverty, youth restiveness and social vices within our communities “

” Our vision as a Trust is not merely to distribute benefits,but to create lasting impact through human capital development and community advancement. We want to raise a generation of skilled professionals, Entrepreneurs, artisans, innovators and industry experts who will contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of our communities and the nation at large”.

Representatives of the Total Energy, Mr Godspower Onu commended the initiative, saying it will shape the future generations of the the rural communities

“Today’s occasion reminds us that true development is not only measured by infrastructure or investment by by the lives touched and the future we are building. The young men and women selected for this programme today represent the strength determination and resilience of these communities. The skills are not just merely certificates for employment, there are tools for self -reliance “

In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Bony Kingdom, His Highness Dr Dagogo Brown, commended Board of Trustees of the Trust for the initiative and called on other Trusts to emulate the vision of BOPANE Host communities Development Trust