IHCDT Flag-off Skill Training for 250 Ibeno people

IHCDT Flag-off Skill Training for 250 Ibeno people

…charges beneficiaries to show commitment, embrace discipline during training

MediaZone Nigeria

In it’s avowed commitment to build human capacity and create job opportunities for the people, the Incorporated Trustees of NNPCL/MPN JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (IHCDT) today, September 3, 2025, flag-off Batch A Skill Acquisition Programme for 250 indigenes of Ibeno Local Government Area.

L-R: BoT Member, Barr. Prince Ukot, BoT Chairman, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong

The area of trainings sponsored by the Trust include Forklift, Welding and Fabrication, Scaffolding, Rope Access, NDT, Makeup/Modelling, Cyber Security and Web Designing, Fashion Design, Confined Space Entry, BOSIET and Able Seaman/Deck Operation.

Speaking at the flag-off/induction ceremony held at Crown Moment Hotel and Suite, Upenekang in Ibeno, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of Ibeno Host Community Development Trust, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong, said the Trust is committed to improve the welfare and development of Ibeno people, assuring that they will continue to embark on programmes and activities that improve the living standard of the people in line with the guidelines for the establishment of the Trust.

He disclosed that over 1000 people applied for the training but 250 were selected for the first Batch, charging the beneficiaries to take their training serious or risk forfeiture of the opportunity.

Ekpenyong said he will be very happy and more fulfilled to see the beneficiaries graduate with flying colours, reiterating the Trust commitment to do exceed their expectations.

“I will be a very happy person. I will be so fulfilled and willing to do more,” said Ekpenyong.

He promised that those who single themselves out through the training programme will be established, disclosing that the training comes with a starter pack.

Ekpenyong also mentioned that some of the trainings will be done in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the Trust will not only pay for their accommodations and feeding but will also give them stipends to support themselves during the duration of the training, urging them to embrace it as a future investment for the overall interest of Ibeno and Akwa Ibom State respectively.

He emphasized that Ibeno Host Community Development Trust by law is not allowed to share money, as all resources will be channel to development activities. He used the occasion to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Trust in two years to include procurement of specialized security boats, construction of 140,000 gallons of solar powered borehole at Atabrikang, construction of four (4) classroom block & staff quarters/model toilet facility at Iwuo-Okpom Opolom, procurement and distribution of 50 fibre boats and 50 20hp outboard engines, and procurement and erection of 500 low tension electric poles.

Others are payment of bursary to 420 Ibeno Students, facilitation of medical treatment and major surgeries for 2013 Ibeno indigenes between 2023-2024, procurement and installation of 12 brand new 500KVA transformers for power upgrade across Ibeno LGA, provision of desks to primary schools across Ibeno LGA, procurement of two seaters luxury buses for transportation of secondary school students across Ibeno community, among others.

The BoT Chairman used the occasion to announce the commencement of another round of scholarship for Ibeno students. He warned against forging of documents and admission letter, saying those who indulge in it will be shown the way out.

In his remarks, Mr. Madu Okpara of Muchila, said the greatest investment that any community can think of is human capital development, maintaining that the training is not another empowerment but investment in the future.

His words, “Human capital development is the greatest asset any community can think of. We are laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in Ibeno and beyond.”

Okwara charged the beneficiaries to be cool headed, committed and respect authority during their training, so that they will achieve their goals.

Mr Joseph Mbibom, the only disabled member of the Advisory Board, commended IHCDT for taking a bold decision to train Ibeno people and preparing them for opportunities, saying the gesture is very laudable. He challenged the political class to follow the footsteps of the Trust, saying if community interest has been prioritized by the political class, Ibeno would have been more developed than what it is today.

In her remarks, the Most Beautiful Girl in Akwa Ibom State, Queen Joy Isokobo, lauded the visionary initiative of IHCDT, charging the trainees to embrace the opportunity with open arms so as to become productive citizens in the future.

The ceremony was graced by several personalities to include Barr. Prince Ukot
James Utiaruk (MANCO HEAD), Nonkama Atabop, Alternate Head MANCO and Samuel Ekpo, Apostle Lawrence Abraham and Chief Monday William (Secretary), Azimarine and Mary Johnson Ukalom of Jimaco Fashion Academy and other trainers from Various Institutes.