By Aliyu Gerengi
The Gombe State Government, in partnership with Rift Oil Petroleum Company Limited, Abuja, has commenced a special training programme for more than 100 selected graduates and artisans from the state’s 11 local government areas to prepare them for opportunities in the emerging oil and gas industry.
The training, taking place at Government Technical College, Gombe, and Emerald Hotel, is aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and technical skills required as the state prepares to resume oil and gas exploration and production activities at the Kolmani oil field.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Musa Kwami, said the initiative was designed to build local capacity and ensure that residents of Gombe State are adequately positioned to benefit from developments in the oil and gas sector.
He disclosed that the ministry received more than 400 applications for the programme, an indication of the growing interest among youths and skilled workers in the sector.
The Permanent Secretary commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for providing the necessary support that led to the successful organisation of the training.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Science, Technical and Vocational Education in the Ministry of Education, Aminu Shehu, described the programme as part of the state government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment through vocational and technical skills development.
In separate remarks, the consultant to Rift Oil Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Samson Mato, and Ahmad Ardo Muhammad encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity, noting that the training would enhance their employability within the oil and gas industry and contribute to the economic development of the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rift Oil Petroleum Company Limited, Engineer Rabiu Suleiman, said the workshop was intended to sensitise residents to the economic importance of the oil and gas sector, particularly its potential to boost internally generated revenue.
He praised the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for its efforts to ensure that Gombe State takes its place among Nigeria’s oil-producing states.
Participants in the programme are expected to receive hands-on training in electrical installation and maintenance, welding and fabrication, carpentry, plumbing, and other vocational skills relevant to the oil and gas industry.
