NCMDB, Ascendant Train 50 Anambra Youths in Solar Energy, Provide Start Up Support
By Kenechukwu Chukwudi
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Ascendant Skill Collective Limited, has trained and certified 50 youths in Anambra State in solar energy installation and services, equipping them with starter tools and grants to begin their businesses.
The training, held at the Amawbia Community Hall in Awka South Local Government Area, was designed to equip participants with practical skills that can promote self reliance, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Speaking at the event, the Project Manager, Mr. Michael Omolaja, explained that the NCDMB was established to promote the development and utilisation of local skills and capacities, particularly in areas connected to the oil and gas industry.
He said the solar energy training was part of efforts to expand opportunities for young people beyond traditional employment, adding that participants received starter packs and would also benefit from grants to enable them to commence their businesses.
Omolaja noted that the agency had continued to support various skills acquisition programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian youths to become economically independent.
The programme facilitator, Engineer Donaldson Ozurumba, said the growing unreliability of the national electricity grid had increased demand for alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.
He explained that the training went beyond basic installation techniques, exposing participants to professional standards, quality materials, technical specifications and effective customer relations.
According to him, the beneficiaries could leverage the skills acquired to establish themselves as solar installers, dealers and renewable energy entrepreneurs.
Ozurumba also called for greater support from government and financial institutions to make solar energy more affordable and accessible to Nigerians who cannot afford the initial cost of installation.
Some beneficiaries, including Mr. Charles Ifedilichukwu and Mrs. Calista Onu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, particularly because the training was provided free of charge and accompanied by starter packs and promised grants.
They, however, appealed to the organisers to provide additional training opportunities to enable participants deepen their technical knowledge and improve their proficiency.
Practical demonstrations, interactive sessions, question and answer sessions, and the presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries formed the highlights of the training programme.
