After six months of intensive training in various vocational skills and mentoring in business management and entrepreneurship, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has lifted 173 more Deltans of the oil producing areas, being the 3rd batch of graduands of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy.
This brings to 504 the number of alumni of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy trained and equipped in such areas as Welding and Fabrication; ICT Hardware and Software Engineering; Electrical Installation and Repairs, Building Services in POP, Tiling and Interlocking; Catering and Confectioneries; Fashion Design; Cosmetology and Makeover; Hair Dressing; Shoe/Bag Making and Leather Works.
Expressing delight on the success story, the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (FCNA, CrFA) said the “aim of DESOPADEC is to raise a massive army of well skilled, innovative, business savvy and successful entrepreneurs across our mandate communities.
He added that “Our joy is in the upliftment, economic growth, prosperity and happiness of our people.
“I feel joy in my heart that today, DESOPADEC lifted 173 more Deltans of the oil producing areas, being the 3rd batch of graduands of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, to pursue a life of productive engagement, financial independence and self worth.
Recall that upon graduation, the graduands are usually provided with full Starter Packs for their different business categories and N200,000 each to help them set up.
In the same vein, the best trainees in each skill category also got additional N200,000 each while the overall best trainee got N500,000.
The MD explained that “The feedback from graduates of the 1st and 2nd batches have been very encouraging, makes us proud and energises us to do more. In this regard, arrangement is in top gear for the matriculation of the 4th batch in a matter of days.
The Convocation Ceremony which held at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun was attended by His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, who was represented by Rt Hon Festus Ovie Agas, Chief of Staff, Government House
Others who graced the epoch making event incudes traditional and community leaders, parents, family and friends of the graduands.
