NCDMB trains 100 youths in installation, maintenance of solar power, presents starter packs, 2-month exit stipends

Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has completed the training of 100 youth in solar power installation and maintenance under its Youth Empowerment Programme(YEP) in Suleja, Niger State.

The graduation ceremony of the 100 solar power trainees was held on Thursday in Niger State.

EnergyDay gathered that the one-month intensive training programme was dedicated to equipping the trainees with skills that would turn them into entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Checks showed that the Board has since its inception in 2010, engaged and trained over 13,000 Nigerians in various skill areas for graduates and artisans resulting in over 12 million training man hours.

Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary NCDMB, who was represented by Abdulmalik Halilu, General Manager, Research, Statistics & Development NCDMB, in his keynote address at the graduation ceremony said that development of human capital is the strongest pillar for attaining the mandate of the Board.

He said, “Earlier at the beginning of this program We talked about the opportunity that exists in terms of our per capital energy consumption in Nigeria, especially for a country that is categorised as developing.

“This business requires thorough and due diligence time management, character, integrity, product assurance and process quality. Don’t be desperate to rush into your work.

“Renewable energy projects keep evolving and it’s now more affordable compared to what it was when it started. On your own you must be able to spend time to update yourself on the latest innovation and technology, you shouldn’t be left out.,”Wabote noted.

The NCDMB ES however disclosed that the starter pack package is to ensure an easy transition into the renewable energy market with two months exit stipend paid directly to the accounts of participants of this program.

Mr. Joseph Adebayo, Zonal Coordinator, Ondo State, NCDMB, in his remarks said that NCDMB’s aim is to ensure local content is implemented amongst Nigerians and to develop the capacity of Nigerians.”