PTI unveils computer skills centre for Delta communities

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has inaugurated a capacity building programme where over 60 youths from the 24 Urhobo kingdoms would acquire various skills in the use and repair of computers.

During the official unveiling of the programme, leaders and youths of the Urhobo kingdoms commended the skill building initiative, describing it as “first of its kind” in Urhobo land.

Deputy President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Captain Onohanrigho, who led other leaders and youths to the inauguration of the computer competency programme at PTI, said it was the first time the communities were experiencing something of that nature.

Onohanrigho, who said the Urhobo nation, with its huge oil and gas resources and manpower, was lagging behind and needed massive investment in education, applauded PTI for the training programme, saying the institution was known in the country and that its certificates were recognised globally.

He urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, while Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Henry Adimula, said the institute created the programme, as its own contribution to tackle unemployment, especially in its host communities.

“The possibilities of having computer skills are limitless. When a person is trained and skilled in computer, he or she can virtually function in any field.

“We believe that by the time they are done with this training, they will be better placed as entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and contribute their quota to the economy,” he added.

He said the PTI had committed huge finances to the programme, and that PTI was adding to society by equipping the youths to become gainfully employed, take them off the streets in line with Federal Government’s job creation policy.

Adimula pointed out that the training would be extended to other ethnic nationalities in future since PTI is a federal institution and because they were other ethnic groups within its geographical location.

Other speakers at the event are, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada of the Delta State University, Abraka and President, Urhobo Youth wing, Ebireri Ovie Jeffrey, among several others.