Nembe—The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, represented by the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr. Ama Ikuru Thursday commissioned upgraded and reconstructed facilities at the Government Craft Development Centre in Bassambiri, Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The event was attended by a representative of HRM King Biobelemoye Josiah, Amanyanabo of Opu-Nembe kingdom, chiefs, the school’s management as well as students. 
In his remarks, Wabote disclosed that the commissioning supports the fulfillment of one of the key pillars of the NCDMB: the development of technical capability.
He stated that the Bassambiri facility is the third vocational center that the Board has completely upgraded and equipped. 
“The first and second were the Government Vocational Centre at Amoli in Enugu State and the Government Technical College at Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
“These two centers are being put into sustainable use for the training of craftsmen and artisans and I firmly believe that the facilities at Government Craft Development Center Bassambiri will be better utilized to train youths in the area in the much-needed artisanal and vocational skills,” he said.
According to Wabote, the scope of works executed at the center include the construction of a block of 3 workshops (ICT, carpentry and auto mechanics trades), the renovation of existing workshops for electrical engineering and welding, provision and installation of equipment in the five workshops. 
Others are perimeter fencing of the center, training of teachers to use the installed equipment.
Wabote added that the NCDMB will continue to support technical and vocational training (TVET) centers because of the vital role that these centers play in the training of artisans that are required in the oil and gas industry.
He averred that the Board is also upgrading vocational centers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Bekwarra in Cross Rivers State, the University of Ibadan in Oyo state, and plans to upgrade more vocational centers across Nigeria. 
Also, as part of the programmes lined up for the event, NCDMB equally organized health outreach for members of the community.
