Niger Delta
HYPREP’s Livelihood Training: Dana Air Employs Three Ogoni Youths
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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
Niger Delta
Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday
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The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
Niger Delta
Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo
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The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.