Niger Delta
HYPREP’s Livelihood Training: Dana Air Employs Three Ogoni Youths
Dana Airline has offered automatic employment to three Ogoni youths to work in the company as cabin crew members.
The beneficiaries were among the 13 first batch trainees tutored and trained by Crew Training Institute (CTI) in Lagos under the sponsorship of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP).
The three beneficiaries emerged winners in a keenly contested cabin crew recruitment exercise organised by HYPREP in conjunction with the Crew Training Institute and Dana Air at T-Fad Hotel and Resort in Wiiyaakana Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday.
Those Dana Air offered automatic employment clinched the first, second and third positions out of the 13 contestants, while a subsidiary airline equally offered automatic employment to other contestants who emerged fourth and fifth, thus, bringing the number of Ogoni youths who secured employment at the event to five.
While Dana Air presented appointment letters to the three beneficiaries on the spot, the other two beneficiaries were given assurance by the subsidiary company that theirs were on the way.
The winners of the cabin crew contest are Mr Meneyii King Barisua from Khana Local Government Area; Miss Grace Wealth B. Agon-Ngbor from Tai Local Government Area; and Miss Domale Badom from Gokana Local Government Area.
Others are Miss Nnyeomah Constance Nwagor from Eleme Local Government Area; and Mr Miracle Nnutam from Tai Local Government Area.
In his welcome address, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the recruitment exercise holds immense significance to HYPREP and the entire Ogoni community, adding that it “marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to create alternative livelihood as we restore the traditional livelihoods of the Ogoni people, as this is a key mandate of HYPREP, and we are committed to it.”
According to him, “We are not just here to recruit cabin crew members but also to create pathways to empowerment, ignite dreams and build futures”.
He said HYPREP’s partnership with Crew Training Institute and Dana Air symbolises the power of collaboration.
“Through this collaboration, we provide training and job opportunities and invest in the potentials of Ogoni youths, equipping them with skills that will open doors in a world of possibilities”, he said, stressing that the recruitment exercise was an opportunity for the trainees to showcase their passion, dedication and the potential to soar to new heights.
According to him, each of the beneficiaries brings a unique story; a unique set of skills; and a unique vision for the future.
Zabbey disclosed that HYPREP has so far trained 29 Ogoni youths in cabin crew operations while 19 have been certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority( NCAA), adding that 55 others have been trained in ticketing, flight dispatch and customer service.
While congratulating the beneficiaries, the Project Coordinator urged them to embrace the opportunity offered them with confidence and determination, knowing that they have the support of HYPREP.
He reminded them that HYPREP is becoming a rallying point for the Ogoni people, and, therefore, urged them to own and protect the Project.
Said he, “We are committed to doing things differently.On this note, we are actively exploring areas of collaboration with relevant organisations to create opportunities for employment and further mentorship. We are working hard to ensure that our beneficiaries, upon completing their training programmes, are supported, and this gathering today, shows our commitment.”
He noted that the recruitment exercise was one of the extra steps HYPREP is taking to ensure that its livelihood training beneficiaries, including the 5,000 trainees, currently training in 21 skill areas are employed or move on as capable entrepreneurs.
He said the recruitment exercise was fair, transparent and merit-based, as HYPREP is looking for individuals like the cabin crew trainees who embody the values of professionalism, empathy and resilience, qualities which are essential for the cabin crew role.
Beyond the technical skills, Zabbey noted, what truly sets a cabin crew apart is the ability to connect with people to make passengers safe, comfortable and valued, contending that a cabin crew member is an ambassador of hospitality, representing not just the airline but also warmth and hospitality of the Ogoni people.
He, therefore, charged the contestants, as they proceeded into the interview session to remember to let their personality to shine; demonstrate their passion for customer service; and show to the participants why they are the perfect fit for the cabin crew role.
The Project Coordinator also admonished the beneficiaries thus, “And regardless of the outcome of the recruitment exercise, they should know that today is just the beginning of their journey. Be confident and know that opportunities abound, and with the right attitude and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind on.”
He also urged them to make good use of all HYPREP had provided them, including cabin crew training; international passports; and the NCAA certification.
He thanked the Minister of Environment and the Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Hon Balarabe Abbas Lawal for his progressive leadership and other stakeholders including the media for their support.
In his goodwill message, the spokesman of CRAC and Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom, King Suanu Baridam said he was honoured as an Ogoni King to be part of the cabin crew recruitment exercise, adding that sponsoring a cabin crew recruitment exercise as a way of giving back to the community and empowering the youths in Ogoniland is a commendable initiative by HYPREP.
According to him, by providing opportunities for local youths to join the cabin crew, HYPREP is not only supporting individuals but also contributing to the economic empowerment and growth of the community.
He said empowering the youths through employment opportunities in the aviation industry can have far-reaching benefits, including skills development, job creation and increased economic stability. stressing that by sponsoring the recruitment exercise, HYPREP is investing in the future of the community and helping to build a skilled workforce that can contribute to the sustainable development of Ogoniland.
The monarch noted that linking the recruitment exercise to the environmental remediation efforts of HYPREP can help raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability among the youths, stressing that this can inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment, creating a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who can actively contribute to the preservation of Ogoniland.
Also speaking, Dana Air’s Head of Human Resources, Mr Clinton E. applauded HYPREP for its bold initiative in empowering Ogoni youths, saying it can, however, do more.
On his part, a member of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Comrade Celestine AkpoBari expressed delight that an Ogoni daughter who is the Proprietress of Crew Training Institute is making tremendous impact in the aviation industry, and commended the Project Coordinator for ensuring that HYPREP is exploring vast opportunities beyond the pedestrian level of providing menial jobs to Ogoni people.
He said under the watch of the Project Coordinator, HYPREP is making it possible today for Ogoni sons and daughters to go abroad to study through the sponsorship of the agency.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has called for regular release of funds to the judiciary to ensure effective dispensation of justice.
Obot made the call recently while speaking at the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year in Uyo.
The Chief Judge said the judiciary in Akwa Ibom State had been grappling with debts arising from non-release of funds in 2023.
She said the judiciary required adequate funding to perform optimally, saying, “we need funds to maintain our facilities across the hierarchy of courts in the state”.
Obot further stated that the state judiciary was hugely under-staffed, and required more manpower.
“The last recruitment into the state judiciary was done in 2012. There is need to address the issue of shortage of staff in the system.
“Shortage of staff has made us to assign only one staff to cover duty schedules that are meant for two or three persons.
“Within the last two years, no fewer than 316 staff have retired from the state judiciary without replacement.
“When retirement goes on for many years without regular replacement, many skills and competences will be lost”, she said.
The Chief Judge decried the absence of basic educational facilities in correctional centres in state.
She suggested the establishment of adult education facilities within the correctional centres to support the education needs of inmates.
“Inmates require basic primary, secondary education and skills acquisition facilities to earn the needed reform”, she said.
In his remarks, the State Governoe, Umo Eno, assured the judiciary of the state government’s support and cooperation to enhance effective dispensation of justice.
Eno commended the Chief Judge and the judiciary in the state for their steadfastness and commitment to justice delivery.
The Tide’s source reports that a special court session was held during the event to signal the commencement of new legal year.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was determined to deliver quality road projects to all Deltans across the State.
The Commissioner, who spoke recently during an inspection of projects in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state, said Governor Oborevwori was desirous to ensure that Deltans get value for every money spent on projects in the state.
The projects inspected include Central Hospital Road, Warri; Edo Guest House Road, Ekpan; Ogbetuo Avenue, Effurun; Rehabilitation and construction of Bright Hope Street with spurs to Okiemute Street, and Senator James Manager Street, Off Airport Road, Effurun, and Uti Road, Effurun.
Izeze, who paid unscheduled visits to the various project sites, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done thus far by the various contractors, assuring that Governor Oborevwori’s promise to revamp Warri and environs was becoming a reality.
“I am very satisfied with the work being done at the places we have visited so far. As you can see, the visits were not scheduled, the contractors were not expecting us because I did not call any of them.
“We decided to take them unawares in the hope that probably some of them may have decided to go on vacation. Right from the Central Hospital where the drains are being extended to discharge water into the natural waterways for the road to be reasphalted.
“We are satisfied that the contractor was on site and working according to specifications as provided for in the Bills of Engineering Measurement (BEME).
“So also the contractor handling Ogbetuo Avenue, Effurun, when we got there even though they were not physically on site, we noticed that they have done the binder course waiting for the finishing course to be applied and I can certify that the quality of work done are good enough”, he said.
At Bright Hope Street with spurs to Okiemute Street and James Manager Street, the Commissioner said he visited to see the level and quality of work that has been done, especially considering the fact that the contractor was raising his final certificate.
“For me as a matter of principle and following the Governor’s directive, any job that requires certification, will need my physical presence to inspect and ensure that government is getting value for money spent.
“As Governor Oborevwori has promised Deltans, he intends to extract value for every money spent on every job that is done and he insists on quality supervision.
“As you all know, supervision and management is key to most of our projects because contractors are capitalists, if you leave them they will want to make the highest profit as possible. So we go back and certify that the job is satisfactory”, he noted.
At Uti Road, Effurun, the Commissioner, who met the contractor excavating the ground and sand filling with white sharp sand as provided in the BEME, took measurements of the depth and expressed satisfaction with the contractor for following specifications.
“As you can see, the contractor is on site and doing the job according to specification and we do hope that they speed up their pace so that as soon as the rains abate, they can get the road ready for inauguration.
“We are optimistic of its completion soonest so that all the residents and adjoining streets that this strategic road feeds will heave a sigh of relief.
“They will also appreciate the fact that Governor Oborevwori’s promise to give Warri and environs a facelift is now coming to reality right before their very eyes”.
On Edo Guest House Road, Ekpan, Izeze said, “the job has been completed and you can see the quality of work that has been done, the job has been completed.
“I am very elated that the residents are happy with the completion. All through the period we visited on inspection, the residents had always asked us to convey their appreciation to Governor Oborevwori because they had thought the road would never be completed.
“You can see how elated they were and that is the essence of governance. When you are able to put smile on the face of someone who does not need to have access to you to have development brought to their door step.
“I felt very fulfilled because the essence of governance is public service and when you service the public and they appreciate it, its quite exciting”.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on security operatives to investigate the state’s Commissioner for Power, Engr. Komuku Kharim over alleged terror attacks at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Briefing newsmen shortly after a closed door meeting of the party’s State Executive Council, Chairman of the party, Barr. Dennis Otiotio, alleged that as a fallout of the recent suspension of some erring members of the party by their Wards and Local Government Areas, thugs believed to be loyal to the Commissioner launched mayhem and unwarranted attacks at the party’s State Secretariat.
Otiotio faulted the Commissioner, describing it as “political rascality taken too far”.
The Tide learnt that the Bayelsa State chapter of the APC recently suspended 10 of its members, including the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, over alleged anti-party activities.
Leadership of the party, which also bared its mind on the membership status of the suspended Minister and others, noted that the State Working Committee (SWC) was planning a possible review or ratification of the suspension within timelines, saying as party faithful, it was expedient that all members work together for the progress and unity of the party in accordance with the renewed hope mantra of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We call on the Nigerian Police and other security formations to institute an investigation on the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Power, Engr. Komuku Kharim, and call him and his thugs to order.
“This morning, Monday 14th October, 2024, thugs and other hoodlums believed to be loyal to him stormed the APC State Secretariat in their numbers with the intent to maim party faithful and cause unwarranted destruction.
“The recent suspension of some erring members of the party, including the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (oil), and others wasn’t carried out by the party’s State Executive Council, but by the wards and LGAs chapters of the suspended members.
“As a party, we’ve conducted ourselves within the ambits of the law. The APC is a party that believes in the rule of law and order. It’s on record that the said Commissioner until his recent appointment by the Governor Douye Diri’s administration has been allegedly enmeshed in several anti-party activities.’’
“Rather than direct his grievances to the appropriate party authorities and other available dispute resolution mechanisms within the party, Engr. Komuku instead chose to unleash mayhem on the party’s secretariat and members”, the APC said.
In the same vein, the lawmaker representing Southern-Ijaw constituency 4 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor-Ben Selekaye, has charge the party’s faithfuls and the general public to discountenance rumours that the present State Working Committee of the party has been sacked by the court.
He said it became necessary to correct the erroneous believe as, according to him, that matter has been resolved by organs of the party at all levels, noting that the party was looking forward to an expanded state working committee meeting were all stakeholders will be in attendance to resolve all perceived grievances and other pending issues.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa