The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has conducted an orientation programme for Batch 2 beneficiaries of its Commercial Diving and Underwater Welding training initiative, targeting selected Ogoni ex-artisanal refiners.
The exercise, held at the HYPREP Project Coordination Office, marks the commencement of a six-month intensive training programme scheduled to take place at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State. The initiative is designed to equip participants with globally relevant technical skills and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking during the orientation, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, congratulated the trainees on their selection and urged them to remain committed throughout the programme.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging the opportunity to acquire valuable skills that would enhance their future prospects and contribute to both personal and community development. He also assured the beneficiaries of HYPREP’s continued support during the training period.
Also addressing the participants, the Head of Livelihood, Josephine Nzidee, encouraged them to stay focused and strive for excellence. She explained that the programme would cover multiple modules, including welding, basic swimming, diving, and underwater welding.
She further noted that participants would undergo assessments and examinations and urged them to give their best efforts.
Ehioze Igbinomwahia, Renaissance Representative on HYPREP, commended the project for prioritizing safety in the programme’s design and implementation.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, describing commercial diving and underwater welding as highly specialized skills in high demand globally.
Similarly, Dr. Elvis Ikoma, Facilitator of the Ex-Artisanal Refiners Programme, and Walter Amadi, Training Consultant with Zulugee Integrated Services Ltd, advised the trainees to approach the programme with discipline, seriousness, and determination to maximize the opportunity.
In his remarks, the Director of Technical Services, HYPREP, Professor Damian Paul-Aguiyi, described the training as a significant investment in the beneficiaries’ future and urged them to remain dedicated throughout the programme.
The orientation concluded with participants expressing enthusiasm and readiness to begin the training, which is expected to enhance their employability and economic empowerment.
HYPREP is expected to roll out additional orientations and training sessions in the coming weeks for other high-demand skills, as part of its broader human capacity development strategy aimed at positioning Ogoni youths for competitive advantage in key industries.
