Eighty-two of the 150 successful Niger Delta youths trained by the NDDC on solar energy installation and maintenance have  received international certification, putting them at par with their colleagues in other countries of the world.

The four-week training covered basis of electricity, voltage/current resistance, introduction to solar energy, solar PV module, charge controller, batteries/battery charging system, as well as mentoring and DC light system.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mrs. Osato Iyasere Arenyeka, said the essence of the programme was to make the trainees self reliant and employers of labour.

“We are conscious of the high rate of unemployment in the region. So, this training programme is part of our efforts to address the problem,” she said.

Mrs. Arenyeka urged the graduands not to rest on their oars but strive for excellence, adding: “Those who invented this solar system are human beings like you. You can modify it; you can develop another kind of energy that the whole world would also key into.”

In his speech, Director, Commercial and Industrial Development of NDDC, Mr. Anietie Usen, disclosed that apart from the solar technology training the graduands were also trained in entrepreneurship.

Mr. Usen said the Commission has already acquired accommodation for solar shops for the graduands, which will be fully operational within four weeks.

“I want you to go back more determined than ever before to chart a new course in your lives,” Mr. Usen said.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and solar tool kits to the graduands.