A non-governmental organization, with a focus on skills development in the Niger Delta, has added a new set of skills acquisition trainees to its over 4220 persons (boys, girls and women) trained over the years.
The organization, M&G Etomi Foundation, in collaboration with Wakirike Development Coalition, embarks on a one-year intensive training for interested persons and ensures proper certification of its graduates on completion of stipulated course outlines.
Founded by twin brothers, Dr. Mike Etomi and Barr. George Etomi, the Foundation sets out to help provide skill sets that are relevant to the local economy and the oil/gas industry that is dominant in the Niger Delta region.
In her opening remarks at the 2024 M & G Etomi Foundation/WDC Skills Acquisition passing out ceremony on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 in Port Harcourt, Mrs.Ibifama Walaku-Saya, Executive Director of the NGO, said “we are operating in line with the 2007 UNDP Declaration, which is to build skills for young persons and empower them to become entrepreneurs,” adding that the Foundation has been providing start-up packs for its graduands on their successful completion of their skills acquisition programmes.
Skill-sets in focus include Fashion & Design; Catering; Graphic Design Photography, in addition to graduate-trainees in Health, Safety & Environment.
Dr. Mike and Barr. George Etomi, say they “find fulfilment in being able to provide necessary tools for young men and women to meaningfully and genuinely fend for themselves and also train others. This is our own way of contributing to the economic growth through skills training and empowerment”.
Also speaking at the event, HRH David Serena-Dokubo Spiff expressed hearty appreciation to the co-founders of M&G Etomi Foundation for their dedication to the self-imposed task.
The royal father also charged the beneficiaries to hold dear what they had been taught and to treasure the certificates, adding that “God has blessed you to bless someone too”.
Barr. Cordelia Eke, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, said the Foundation had been making positive impact and should continue in the direction it has chosen, noting how joyful she felt seeing that majority of the beneficiaries were women.
Some of the beneficiaries, Glory Sunday Ogolo (Catering), Nyeduko Caroline (Fashion/Design) who spoke said they were full of gratitude to M & G Etomi Foundation for the opportunity given to them to pass through the programme and that, in the words of Job Bariekoasa Golden (Catering), “a dream come true for me”.
