The Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Initiative (NCHCDI) on the Sonam Pipeline Pig Receiver Project was successfully commenced on Monday March 13, 2017.  The Kick-off event involved the onboarding of 26 Nigerians comprising 10 graduates and 16 artisans who are to be trained in engineering, welding and fabrication.

The Okan PRP fabrication scope which covers Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Information and Communication Technology, Project Management, Quality Management, Fabrication and Assembly Processes, Fabrication Engineering, Welding/Fitting/Rigging/Scaffolding Processes, Entrepreneurship, and Material Management is being done in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on the Sonam Pipeline Okan PRP Pipeline and  Pig Receiver Project, and  sponsored by the  NNPC/Chevron JV, will involve 12 months of intensive classroom and on-the-Job training.

Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, represented by Iroegbu Obiora, NCD Advisor, commended NCDMB for its commitment to the Human Capacity Development Initiative. He said that Chevron recognizes that every Nigerian youth possesses so much potential which if unlocked through targeted capacity training and guidance will spur change in the community and society. He urged Idmon Engineering and the training facilitators to ensure that the goals of the programme and expectations of the Board and CNL are fully realized and full value is gained on the fund spent on the training”.

NCDMB Capacity Manager represented by Mr. Martins Ogbonna commended Chevron and Idmon for their faith in the Human Capacity Development Programme. “We appreciate your support and confidence in the Board’s HCD vision and are particularly impressed by the painstaking selection process for identifying beneficiaries. He congratulated the successful trainees and urged them to show commitment and focus and completely dedicate themselves to learning and improving their skill set.

The Managing Director, Idmon Engineering Services Ltd represented by Mr Godwin Bello thanked Chevron and NCDMB for the opportunity granted Idmon  to help shape the future of  trainees  and impact  the oil and gas industry in Nigeria positively through this training.“ We really appreciate this special opportunity to participate in the human capacity training for Nigerians; we have what it takes and will do all that is needful to make this training a success.” He assured that Idmon Engineering Services Ltd would work with the diverse partners involved to deliver the training modules.

The Sonam Project Representative Ms. Oyenike Oyedele affirmed that Chevron is fully committed to ensuring that all the trainees gain the best training and advised them to utilize the opportunity given them to better their lives. Upon completion of the training, the trainees will be issued internationally recognized certificates

The event was also attended by Uyo M. Harrison, Homik Engineering Ltd, Richard  P. Allison of Nigerian Red Cross, Patricia Udenike, and Sam Imong of GPPL  and other stakeholders.

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote who was represented by Mr Timbiri Augustine, Supervisor, Capacity Building, commended Chevron and DeltaAfrik/Fenog Consortium for supporting the HCD Initiative noting that the training is aimed at closing capacity gaps in the Oil and Gas Industry as well as inherent deficiencies in the educational sector. He expressed confidence that the trainees would adequately be exposed to industry-based trainings and urged them to utilize this opportunity to the fullest and show very high level of commitment by adhering strictly to all rules guiding the training.  

The Managing Director, DeltaAfrik/Fenog Consortium represented by Mr Alexis Foeillet acknowledged Chevron and NCDMB’s contributions to human capacity development efforts in Nigeria stating that EESP Project offers the trainees a very rare opportunity to build capacity and shore up skill gaps in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry “Do not relent, work hard and learn as much as you can, make an in-road into the industry and contribute to its growth and development,” he charged the trainees.

Mr Mathias Toon, Project Manager for EESP Project noted that it is necessary that the trainees build confidence and increase their competencies. He also enjoined them to be open minded, demonstrate eagerness to learn and deploy knowledge gained.  He described competition and teamwork as key attributes to successful accomplishment in any workplace. “Don’t get bogged down by background information, but leverage on competition in your workplace and stand out to be recognized….We look forward to the glaring transformation and the difference that result from the engagement of your talent and energy in the course of this training,” he said.

(Image: Group photograph of CNL, NCDMB, DeltaAfrik/Fenog representatives with the trainees)