The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Wednesday launched its Skill Acquisition Academy as part of measures to build human capacity and encourage entrepreneurs across the state.
The Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro while addressing the matriculants reinstated the resolve of the state government to roll out more youths and women empowerment programmes in order to reduce unemployment in the state.
The governor who recalled that early in his administration a bill was sent to the State House of Assembly seeking approval to enable government set up a Technical and Vocational Board, observed that the high rate of unemployment across the country can be drastically reduced through job and wealth creation programmes.
Okowa said to further show the seriousness of his skill and wealth creation drive, the government immediately commenced the construction and reconstruction of moribund vocational centres across the state with the aim of engaging youths and women meaningfully and making them self reliant.
He commended the board of DESOPADEC for the skills academic initiative and challenged the students to take advantage of the programme to acquire skills that will enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the society and add value to their lives.
The Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Bashoru Askia Ogeih and the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Oil Commission, Evangelist Michael Diden, who gave an insight into the academy revealed that over one hundred and sixty youths and women drawn from oil-bearing communities of the state were enlisted as pioneer students into the academy.
Ogeih and Diden said the students were selected through a vigorous and transparent manner noting that the Skills Academy was designed to reduce unemployment in the state.
They also disclosed that the students will be trained full time in their field of choice and will get starter packs at the end of the six months training programme.
The students will be trained in Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Information and Technology, Diving and Catering Services.
