Fifty trainees sponsored by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board have graduated in Level 1 and Level 2 crane operations.

The NCDMB also charged indigenous oil and gas industry players to uphold patriotism, professionalism, integrity, creativity, passion and teamwork, which it said are the board’s core values.

Speaking at a brief graduation ceremony and certificate presentation in Port Harcourt on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the training was aimed at increasing the participation of the indigenous workforce in the oil and gas industry.

Ogbe, who was represented by an official of the board, Halvin Okonmah, noted that the programme prepares beneficiaries for available jobs in the industry and urged the graduands to remain guided by the board’s core values.

He said, “It’s our interest to strengthen business capacity, drive innovation and promote sustainable growth in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

“As you continue to engage in the industry, let us remain guided by the Board’s core values of patriotism, professionalism, integrity, creativity, passion and teamwork.

“These principles have continued to shape progress and create opportunities, such as the ones we are witnessing today.

“May this event foster stronger partnerships, inspire fresh ideas and deepen the development of skilled local capacity for the benefit of our industry and our nation.”

In her remarks, the Managing Director of Zigma Limited, the firm that facilitated the training, Funmi Ogbue, tasked the graduands to be good ambassadors of the board and the facilitating institutions. She also commended the NCDMB for investing in human capital development for youths.

Ogbue, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer of Zigma Limited, Mrs Ojinika Mba-Kalu, said the event was far more than the conclusion of a training programme but a celebration of transformation, discipline and opportunity.

“It is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, industry and individuals unite around a common purpose: building the capacity of Nigerians to compete, excel and lead within our nation’s oil and gas industry.

While noting that the response to the initiative was overwhelming, she said a total of 355 applications from interested candidates across different backgrounds were received and subjected to a thorough review process.

“Following a rigorous review process, 65 applicants were shortlisted and invited for a physical screening exercise.

“The screening assessed eligibility, commitment and readiness for the programme, after which 50 participants were selected to commence the training. I am pleased to report that all 50 participants successfully completed the programme and are graduating today.

“This remarkable completion rate reflects the dedication of the participants, the quality of the facilitation and the effective coordination of the programme,” Ogbue said.

She added, “Throughout the four-week training, participants received intensive classroom instruction and practical hands-on training in crane operations.”

Ogbue said the training curriculum covered crane operating principles, lifting operations, equipment inspection, load-handling techniques, signalling and communication, hazard identification, risk assessment, and Health, Safety and Environment best practices.

She further said equal emphasis was placed on professionalism, discipline, teamwork and compliance with industry standards.

“One of the key strengths of this programme was the integration of theory with practical learning. This ensured that participants gained not only technical knowledge but also the confidence and competence to apply what they learned in real work environments.

“This belief has guided our commitment to delivering programmes that develop competence, encourage innovation and promote a culture of safety and professionalism,” she said.

She noted that Zigma would remain committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen local capacity and contribute to national development.

One of the graduands, Eze Evidence Ojie, thanked the NCDMB and Zigma for giving them the opportunity to acquire the skill.