In further demonstration of its commitment to human capacity development for youths and women in Ogoniland, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commenced a four-month Mechatronics training programme for 100 Ogoni youths.
The high-demand skills training, which forms part of HYPREP’s Sustainable Livelihood Initiative, officially began yesterday at the Offshore Technology Institute (OTI), University of Port Harcourt. The event attracted top stakeholders from academia, traditional institutions, industry and government.
Dignitaries present at the flag-off included the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari A. Georgewill; the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, who was represented by the Director of Technical Services, Professor Damian-Paul Aguiyi; His Royal Highness (Mene) Kadilo Kabari, Paramount Ruler of Ancient Barako Community and Member of the Uniport Governing Council; and Engineer Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Joint Venture (JV) Representative in HYPREP, alongside other distinguished guests.
Declaring the training open, Professor Zabbey reiterated HYPREP’s resolve to transition beneficiaries from low-end to high-end technical skills that are globally competitive and economically viable. He noted that the Mechatronics programme is one of ten high-end skills training initiatives scheduled for rollout this year, underscoring the Project’s dedication to delivering the very best to the people of Ogoni.
According to him, the choice of the University of Port Harcourt’s Offshore Technology Institute and a highly competent training consultant reflects HYPREP’s emphasis on quality, best practices, industry relevance and academic excellence. He urged the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity by demonstrating seriousness and commitment throughout the duration of the programme.
In his remarks, Professor Georgewill commended HYPREP for what he described as a strategic and forward-looking intervention. He said the training would equip participants with globally relevant skills capable of enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential, while also contributing meaningfully to national development. He encouraged the trainees to remain focused and committed to learning.
The training consultant, Mr. Makozi Samuel, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, explained that the programme would combine intensive theoretical instruction with hands-on practical sessions. He added that beyond technical competencies, the training would build the capacity of participants to provide innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, manage teams and projects in modern digital Oil and Gas environments, and uphold safety standards, environmental regulations and ethical practices in engineering.
Delivering goodwill messages, HRH Mene Kadilo Kabari and Engineer Ehioze Igbinomwanhia highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in Mechatronics as a multidisciplinary field central to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and become worthy ambassadors of Ogoni. Engineer Igbinomwanhia further reaffirmed Renaissance Africa Energy Company’s commitment to the Ogoni Cleanup Programme and its continued support for HYPREP’s human capacity development initiatives.
The Orientation Keynote Lecture, titled “The Anatomy of Mechatronics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)”, was delivered by Professor Bourdillon O. Omijeh, National Coordinator of the Embedded AI Project in Nigeria and Professional Mentor for the HYPREP Mechatronics Programme.
Speaking on the commencement of the training, Head of Sustainable Livelihood at HYPREP, Mrs. Josephine Nzidee, expressed delight that the programme had taken off successfully. She assured that HYPREP would continue to prioritise capacity development and value addition for Ogoni people through high-demand skills that align with emerging industry needs.
The 100 beneficiaries were selected through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in February 2023. HYPREP also disclosed that additional high-end skills training programmes scheduled for this year include full-stack software development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, cybersecurity, rope access, commercial diving and underwater welding, mud logging, and agricultural skills enhancement.
Further details on selection criteria and upcoming training opportunities will be communicated through HYPREP’s official communication channels.
Comments
Post a Comment