The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omashola Ogbe, has urged Nigerian youths to take charge of the country’s rapidly evolving energy landscape by embracing innovation, digital competence and continuous capacity building.
Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bari, Supervisor of Government Relations at the Board, gave the charge on Tuesday while declaring open the 2025 edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Youth Forum at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa.
He reminded participants that Nigerian youths are no longer “the leaders of tomorrow,” but “contributors and solution-creators of today,” whose technical abilities are urgently needed to tackle persistent industry challenges such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, environmental degradation and skill gaps in emerging energy technologies.
With the theme “Building Youth Capacity, Securing Investments, Sustaining Growth in the Oil and Gas Industry,” this year’s youth forum brought together industry leaders, government officials and young delegates who commended NCDMB for sustaining platforms that empower young people and strengthen the sector’s human capital.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, Hon. Deacon Roberts reiterated the state government’s commitment to youth development, saying: “If one youth is being developed, we are happy as a state.”
He praised NCDMB for consistently creating opportunities that equip young people with employable skills and entrepreneurial direction.
Key sessions at the forum included an overview of the Board’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) programmes, presented by Tari Bufazi on behalf of Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, and a detailed briefing on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC-JQS) delivered by Epkere Alexandra, Manager of the platform. Delegates were also informed about training and certification opportunities available through the NOGIC-JQS.
The keynote address was delivered by the former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Matthew B. Seiyefa, who urged the youths to rethink their approach to career development, acquire relevant technical and soft skills, and steer clear of illegal refining, piracy and crude oil theft. He challenged young people, particularly those in the Niger Delta, to protect energy assets and tap into opportunities in the oil and gas value chain.
Participants described the forum as “enlightening and timely,” praising its relevance to current realities in the sector. A motivational session by the CEO of The Queen Esther Group, Barrister Esther Ekiotenne, further energised the delegates, as she encouraged them to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions boldly and with determination.
The youth-focused event formed part of activities marking the 14th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum and reinforced NCDMB’s mission to equip young Nigerians with the competencies required to drive growth, attract investments and secure the future of the nation’s oil and gas industry.
