OWA forum harps on importance of youth empowerment in oil, gas sector

WORRIED about the slow-paced growth of local content in the nation’s oil and gas sector as a result of skills gap, Offshore West Africa has included a continuous professional development (CPD) programme supported by the Energy Institute to address skills development gaps.

 The Initiative, which forms part of PennWell Corporation and Offshore West Africa‘s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, is designed to help the West African region’s objective of developing a fully sustainable sector. 

  As part of the collaboration between Offshore West Africa and the Energy Institute, a Youth Programme was held recently for selected group of students and young professionals to attend the exhibition and listen to presentations from companies such as Total and Chevron as part of an Empowerment Workshop.

  According to the organisation, youth empowerment is a holistic means of education, enlightenment and engagement. 

  It stated: “Careers in the energy industry is fast changing due to the variable energy source types, rapid technological advancement, fast-changing consumer needs and continuously adapting working environment. Organisations are paying more attention to skills and competencies that are required to optimise and utilise natural resources for energy and power. 

   “Emphasis is being laid more on learning and development with continuous professional development being viewed as a major success driver in human capital development. Creating awareness of the personal, professional and career development paths in readiness to enjoy a fruitful and rewarding career is the primary purpose of the PennWell Youth Empowerment Programme”.

  Speaking on the empowerment programme, the Managing Director, PennWell International, Glenn Ensor, said that the company has recorded tremendous success in this year’s event, with great ideas pointing at a bright future for the industry.

   According to him, bringing the conference to Lagos was a brilliant decision by the company, considering the fact that Lagos is the business hub of Nigeria, and indeed, the entire West African region.

    West Africa has over the years delivered the premier technical forum exclusively on West African exploration and Production, charting ways to develop the vast potential that exists within the region.

  “That decision has made the conference to record another feat and attendance record of about 2,350 people. The exhibitors had a wonderful experience including the major players such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell, Total among others. They are also hoping to make it for the next edition and we are ready to host them along other major players”, he said.

  The organiser said in a statement signed by  PennWell Corporation’s Senior Marketing Manager,  PennWell Corporation, Lee Catania, stated: “Opening Plenary was followed by the official opening of the 2015 Exhibition via a ribbon cutting by Engr. Jonathan Kwame Okehs, Group General Manager, NAPIMS, on behalf of Dr. Joseph T. Dawha, GMD, NNPC, and the Ministry of Petroleum. The three‐day Exhibition comprised of both prominent local and international organizations, displaying their latest products, services, technologies and industry innovations. Exhibitors included Total, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), NNPC, the Department of Petroleum Resources Nigeria, JC International, PETAN, DeltaAfrik, INTECSEA and Ariosh, many of whom have signaled their intention to exhibit once again at Offshore West Africa 2016.