NCDMB reaffirms its commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for persons with disabilities

By Majesty Inegbagha 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Group photograph with persons with disabilities.

The Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe (FNSE, FIPS), stated this on Tuesday at a workshop organised in Yenagoa with the theme "Beyond Inclusion: Creating Real Opportunities in the Oil and Gas for All Abilities."

The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, who represented the Executive Secretary, and  represented by the Manager, Government Relations, NCDMB, Mr. Teddy Bai, stated that Nigerian Content is about developing the capacity of all Nigerians, including over 25 million persons with disabilities.

 He urged participants to leverage opportunities available through NCDMB initiatives such as the NOGICJQS, Field Readiness Training Programme, and the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.

He further highlighted the Board’s sustained support for PWDs through vocational skills training, empowerment programmes, business support, starter packs, and mobility aid donations, stressing that “beyond inclusion is opportunity, and opportunity for all abilities is what Nigerian Content truly means.”  He referenced the recent South-South Regional Final of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, where a team from the University of Benin developed an innovative solution to support visually impaired Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Chairman of JONAPWD, Bayelsa State Chapter, Hon. Ekpomokumor Mayor Doutimiareye, commended NCDMB for its consistent support and capacity-building interventions for PWDs, while expressing the association’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Board.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Harry emphasized the economic and social benefits of meaningful inclusion, encouraging persons with disabilities to acquire relevant skills and position themselves for emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry despite existing challenges.

The workshop also featured a presentation on opportunities for PWDs in the oil and gas sector by Mr. Teddy Bai on behalf of the General Manager, Corporate Communications NCDMB, and an interactive engagement session with participants.

Mr. Teddy Bai on behalf of the General Manager, Corporate Communications NCDMB was accompanied by Madam Tobechi Mbah, Supervisor, Government Relations, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwokemodo Supervisor Corporate Communications and other staff of the Board.