…Vocational Skills Training Equips 120 Rivers Youths for Job Market
A total of 120 young men and women from six host communities in Rivers State have completed the inaugural edition of an employability training programme designed to equip them with practical vocational skills to improve their job readiness and entrepreneurial potential.
The graduation ceremony, which took place in Port Harcourt, drew dignitaries, community leaders, government representatives, and traditional rulers who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the trainees. Participants received training in technical areas such as Crane Operations, Process Instrumentation, Scaffolding and Rope Access, Wellhead Services and Maintenance, Sandblasting and Industrial Painting, Industrial Plumbing & Aluminium Welding, and Welding & Fabrication. Certificates of completion were presented to all trainees.
The programme is part of a broader community development strategy by Aradel Holdings Plc, and was developed following an extensive needs assessment across six host communities: Otari, Ogbele, Oshiugbokor, Omaraka, Obumeze, and Rumuekpe—all in PML 14 (formerly OML 54).
Throughout the course of the programme, trainees received both classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, including field visits to Aradel’s operational facilities. The company maintained active oversight through regular visits to training centres and monthly progress reports from the training organisation.
Speaking at the ceremony, traditional rulers commended the initiative. His Imperial Majesty Eze Amb. Sir Kevin Ngozi Anugwo, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III of Ekpeye Land, expressed appreciation on behalf of the people and encouraged continuity. Similarly, His Royal Majesty, Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu Orlukwo II of Orlukwo Kingdom, praised the programme’s community-first approach.
In his remarks, Aradel CEO/Managing Director, Mr. Adegbite Falade, described the programme as part of the company’s long-standing commitment to host community development. “By investing in skills development and vocational training, we are building local capacity and opening doors to long-term economic opportunities,” he said. “This is how we ensure that the benefits of our operations are felt directly by the people in our Host Communities.”
The training was implemented under the MURALI Host Communities Development Trust, established by Aradel in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Trust is funded by a fixed percentage of the company’s annual operating expenses and supports programmes that aim to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of host communities.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, traditional rulers from the six communities, and members of the Board of Trustees, Management Committee, and Advisory Committee of the MURALI Trust.
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