The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, has said the state has reaffirmed its status as an ideal host for oil and gas companies, offering a peaceful, business-friendly environment.
He made the assertion while speaking at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference 2024 Youth Forum, held at Harold Dappa Biriye Hall in Yenagoa.
Kemepado emphasized the state’s commitment to empowering its youth to take full advantage of opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
He stressed the importance of equipping the Bayelsan youth with practical knowledge and modern technology to unlock wealth creation opportunities amongst youths, especially impacted youths in host communities.
According to him, “This forum is designed to open doors to opportunities in the oil and gas industry, enabling our youth to prosper and become key players in the sector.”
He also reiterated the need for a collaboration between the Bayelsa State Government and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to develop a more robust information dissemination system.
He explained that the proposed collaboration would ensure that youths, especially in communities producing oil and gas, are better informed about available opportunities and equipped to benefit from them.
While advocating for continuous education, Kemepado underscored the importance of specialized youth skill development programs and structures.
He called for the establishment of Youth Skill Development Centers to train and certify young people in high-demand areas such as quality assurance, corrosion control, and reliability engineering.
“We’re not de-emphasizing university and related degrees, but specialized certifications are essential for positioning our youth competitively in the modern oil and gas sector,” he noted.
Kemepado urged Bayelsan youth to actively engage in the opportunities being presented, such as visiting and registering on the Ministry of Youth Development’s website – moyd.by.gov.ng – where they can access tailored opportunities designed specifically for their growth and development.
He opined that this initiative aims to equip youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the oil and gas sector.
He further highlighted that with over 70% of Nigeria’s population under 35, youth inclusion in local content development is critical for sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta and beyond.
He said the future of Bayelsa and the broader Niger Delta lies in the hands of its youth, urging young to acquire the skills, seize the opportunities, and become the change-makers the sector needs.
