By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
THE North East Development Commission ( NEDC ) in collaboration with the Yola Electric Distribution Company ( YEDC ) and the Mainstream Energy Solution as implementing partner has organised a befitting graduation ceremony to 60 Youths after completion of their eight weeks skill training on Electrical Technicians ( linesmen ) from across the six states of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba, and Gombe.
Interestingly, all the 60 graduands were offered automatic employment by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
The Commission has also donated new brand 18-seater Toyota Bus to Nigeria Arabic Language Ngala (NALN) and a new brand Toyota Hilux jeep to the Secretariat of the North East Governors Forum (NEGF) as part of its mandate and corporate -community relations and support.
Addressing the graduands mostly Diploma holders in Engineering at the NEDC headquarters on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Mohammed Alkali Goni, noted that the unbundling of the power sector by the federal government and subsequent retrenchment of aged personnel of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN created a vacuum on manpower needs, especially, the skill labor not only in the YEDC, but in the entire power distribution companies (Discos) throughout the country.
Alkali said the Commission intended to leverage on this and partner with the Mainstream Academy to enhance the skills of the unemployed youths with prerequisite qualifications and fill the existing vacancies in the zone.
He said,” The NEDC in pursuance of one of its core mandate of identifying factors inhibiting development of the zone and assist member -states and other stakeholders in the formulation of policies to ensure sound and efficient management of resources of the zone among others, collaborate with the Mainstream Academy a subsidiary of Mainstream Energy Solution organised skill training and graduated 60 youth of the zone extraction (Electrical Technicians) on high powered installations at the Academy in Kainji, Niger State.”
Alkali added that empowerment of the large unemployed youths in the region is one of the greatest challenges of the commission since it’s inception to date which informed the sponsorship of the graduands who were engaged in training partnership with the Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and YEDC to create and provide employment opportunities to the youths.
He further announced a cash donation of N250,000 to each of the 60 graduands totalling N 15 million to be disbursed to them in two instalments of N150,000 and N100, 000 within a period of one month to enable the graduands settle down and commence work immediately.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of all the participants dedicated staff for their remarkable efforts and contributions.
“It is with immense pleasure that I extend our heartfelt thanks to Mainstream Energy Limited and its
Mainstream Energy Academy which has not only demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence, but has
also set a benchmark in the energy sector.
“The impact of their work extends far beyond their facilities and operations. It reverberates through our lives, powering our homes, our industries, and the very
essence of progress.
“They have shown us that powering a nation is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility they have shouldered with grace. We would like to express our gratitude for their commitment to sustainability and their unwavering focus on making our world a better place.
“The efforts they put into reducing carbon footprints, promoting clean energy, and ensuring a greener future are a testament to their corporate responsibility”. Said the MD.
The NEDC Boss therefore advised the beneficiaries to shun any act of indiscipline and indecency, while urging them to continue to display competence and prove themselves worthy of emulation in their places of work.
He also assured continuous collaboration and wider partnership with both the Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and Yola Electricity distribution company to provide constant and steady electricity supply in the north east region
The Executive Director Operations, MESL, Usman Mohammed Umar in his remark said ,” I will like extend our sincere gratitude to the Northeast Development Commission for their
unwavering support in sponsoring our participation in the skills acquisition training at Mainstream
Academy. ”
“Their commitment to empowering individuals and fostering regional development is truly commendable. This sponsorship not only enhances our skill set but also contributes significantly to the socio-economic progress of our community.
“We deeply appreciate the Commission’s dedication to uplifting and transforming lives through education and training initiatives,” Usman said.
Likewise, the Managing Director of Yola Electricity Distribution Company YEDC, Engr. Abdulrahman Isa congratulated the graduands for the opportunity given to them.
Speaking to some of the graduands, they expressed gratitude for NEDC, MES and YEDC for considering them worthy to be graduates and have automatic employment.
They all promised to be good ambassadors not only to their employee, but to impact positively on the improvement of electric generation and supply in the region.
Highlights of the occasion include, presentation of certificates and appointment letters, presentation of vehicles and group photographs among others
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