PNC Youth Forum: Ogbe, Diri, Seiyefa, Others, Calls On Nigeria Youth To Be Innovative And Self Reliance. By Chris Mark
PNC Youth Forum: Ogbe, Diri, Seiyefa, Others, Calls On Nigeria Youth To Be Innovative And Self Reliance.
Stakeholders from government, academia, security agencies, and industry experts converged at the practical Nigerian Content (PNC) 2025 youth forum to chat a way forward for the Nigeria youth.
The event which was put together by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB,was held Yesterday at the Government House Golden Tulip, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with its theme:“Building Youth Capacity, Securing Investments, Sustaining Growth in the Oil and Gas Industry,”
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said that as global energy systems rapidly transform, the nation must prepare for a future that harmonizes traditional oil and gas operations with cleaner and more innovative energy solutions.
Represented by the head of government relations at NCDMB, Mr. Teddy Bai, Engr. Ogbe noted that at the center of the nation’s energy transition are Nigerian youth, who are not just the leaders of tomorrow but contributors and solution creators today.
According to him, “their creativity digital fluency and entrepreneurial spirit are essential for addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.”
While highlighting some of the challenges to include pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, evironmental degradation, skills gaps in emerging energy technologies, he stated the need for innovation in local content development.
Ogbe emphasized that NCDMB recognizes the critical role of young Nigerians and that the youth forum is one of several interventions designed to empower, inform, and prepare them for future opportunities.
He said, “Over the years, NCDMB has made extensive investments in human capacity development, entrepreneurship programmes, technical training, and specialized youth-focused initiatives.
“These investments are not symbolic—they are strategic. Our goal is simple: to build a competent, globally competitive Nigerian workforce that drives in-country value creation across the entire energy sector.”
He revealed that participants at the event would benefit from sessions on pathways for youth participation along the oil and gas value chain, skills shaping the future of work in the energy sector, how to register on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) Upcoming NCDMB training opportunities the importance of responsible conduct and community protection.
Addressing the growing menace of vandalism and community restiveness, Ogbe issued a stern call to action saying the Nigerian youth must be champions of protection not destruction of national assets.
The NCDMB Boss, further noted that as the world shifts toward renewable and low-carbon technologies, Nigeria is working toward a diversified and sustainable future one in which,young innovators design energy solutions for rural communities local tech startups support oil and gas operations skilled artisans and technicians build gas based industrial infrastructure engineers, data analysts, and environmental specialists drive new projects
He urged youth to be intentional, curious, disciplined, and prepared, adding that opportunities abound for those who engage positively and position themselves strategically.
In a goodwill message, Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa state who was represented by the Director General of The Centre for Youth Development, Comrade Robert Igali, said the state celebrates whenever a young person is developed.
He advised young people to be deliberate about learning, building meaningful networks, and making strategic moves, while also encouraging them to leverage the opportunities created by the prosperity government its partners and multinational companies,he noted that Bayelsa state is now positioned for industrial growth following major investments in infrastructure, security, and governance, including the imminent activation of the Gas Turbine.
He urged the youth to conduct themselves responsibly, “Do not allow our state to be de-marketed for the wrong reasons. It is time to take full advantage of the opportunities before us.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), spoke on “The Role of Nigerian Youth in Securing Energy Investments for Sustainable Development.”
He traced the struggle for the development of the Niger Delta to the colonial era and noted the pivotal and often painful role of the Ijaw people in this history, including environmental degradation, destruction of community assets, and loss of lives.
Seiyefa urged the region to rethink and re-strategize for the future, arguing that despite the centrality of hydrocarbon resources, the youth remain the most vital resource of the Niger Delta.
Also speaking at the forum, Barrister Esther Ekiotenne encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and self development, she emphasized that great enterprises often begin with small, deliberate steps and urged the youth to cultivate resilience and creativity.
