Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has earned strong praise for driving a large-scale youth empowerment programme designed to equip young people with industry-relevant skills.
The commendation came from Umeh Need Road, a respected advocacy and charity group, which described the initiative as a turning point for youths across the oil-rich district. The programme covers a wide range of technical and vocational areas, including class welding and fabrication, bag making, subsea operations, floating production storage and offloading training, electricity meter repairs, installation and maintenance of DSTV and CCTV systems, solar power installation, modular housing technology, data science and other high-tech self-reliance skills.
UNR administrator, Chief Afahokor Duncan, expressed appreciation to the senator for allowing the group to nominate candidates for the training. He said the carefully selected courses reflect current demands in the oil and gas, marine and construction sectors, which dominate the region’s economy.
Chief Duncan noted that the initiative exposes participants to practical skills that can translate into sustainable employment. He expressed hope that trainees who distinguish themselves would gain access to real job placements, ensuring that the programme produces measurable results rather than certificates alone.
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He urged the selected youths to treat the opportunity with seriousness and discipline, describing it as a gateway to long-term economic stability. According to him, such interventions can shift the narrative in Delta South, where many young people struggle to secure gainful employment despite living in a resource-rich environment.
The UNR administrator also linked the programme to Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, stating that the training aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. He said the initiative reflects a practical commitment to strengthening local capacity and reducing dependence on foreign expertise in critical sectors.
Observers say the empowerment drive adds to the senator’s record of sponsoring people-focused bills, carrying out oversight responsibilities and facilitating constituency projects aimed at improving livelihoods. In a region where youth unemployment remains a pressing concern, the training scheme is already drawing attention as a model for targeted human capital development.
As beneficiaries begin their programmes, expectations are high that the skills acquired will feed directly into industries operating within and beyond Delta South, reinforcing calls for sustained investment in vocational education and technical training.
