Tag: Bonny. Rivers

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Community Lauds Finima Youth Congress in Landmark Girl Child Celebration

Heartfelt appreciation underscores collaborative success in advancing girl-child empowerment across the region

By Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown

Finima, Rivers State — The Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has earned widespread acclaim for its successful hosting of the International Day of the Girl Child celebration on Saturday, 11 October 2025, held at Amaechi Primary School. The event attracted dignitaries, community leaders, guest speakers from multiple states, and dozens of young girls from Finima and neighbouring communities. The celebration, conceived as part of the FYC’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and youth development, was described by organisers as a milestone in local efforts to empower girls through education, mentorship and public awareness.

In an official appreciation message, Comrade Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development for the Finima Youth Congress, extended heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making the celebration a memorable occasion, with particular recognition directed towards the organisation’s Education Committee and its dynamic Coordinator.

Education Committee Receives Special Recognition

The Education Committee emerged as the driving force behind the event’s success, with their organisational excellence and dedication drawing specific praise from the youth congress leadership. “Your dedication to empowering young girls is truly inspiring,” Abraham Brown noted, highlighting the Committee’s exceptional efforts in coordinating what proved to be a transformative celebration.

The Coordinator’s dynamic leadership was singled out as instrumental in bringing together the various elements that made the event both meaningful and impactful for participants, particularly the young girls who stood at the heart of the celebration.

The programme reportedly included keynote addresses, panel discussions on education and leadership, interactive workshops, cultural performances by schoolgirls, awards or recognition for outstanding youths, and distribution of educational materials. A number of guest speakers shared perspectives on girls’ rights and empowerment.

Community leaders, including members of the Amadabo-in-Council, local chiefs, and parents, were present to support the initiative. Their contributions — in funding, endorsements, and logistics — were acknowledged in the official communiqué as having “a lasting impact on the lives of our girl children.”

Broader Significance & Context

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on 11 October, aims to highlight the challenges girls face—such as limited access to education, gender-based discrimination and violence—and to promote their empowerment. In Nigeria, despite progress, many girls still confront structural barriers like early marriage, school dropouts, and unsafe learning environments. The Guardian Nigeria

Locally, Finima’s initiative underscores how global observances can be anchored in community action. By translating the day’s themes into concrete programmes, the Youth Congress is bridging advocacy and grassroots impact.

Leadership Commitment Proves Crucial

The unwavering support of the Chairman and the entire Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Finima Youth Congress received special mention as being instrumental to the event’s ultimate success. This institutional backing demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to placing gender empowerment at the centre of its youth development agenda.

“Special thanks to the Chairman and the entire CEC Finima Youth Congress for their unwavering support, which was instrumental to the event’s success,”Abraham Brown emphasised, highlighting the critical role leadership plays in translating vision into reality.

A Milestone Achievement

The celebration has been characterised as a milestone moment in the Finima Youth Congress’s journey towards girl child empowerment. Beyond the immediate success of the event itself, organisers have expressed confidence that its impact will reverberate far into the future.

This celebration marks a milestone in our commitment to empowering the girl child, We are confident that it will inspire a new generation of leaders and change-makers.

The statement reflects a strategic understanding that investing in young girls today creates the foundation for transformative change tomorrow, with educated and empowered women becoming catalysts for broader community development.

Global Significance, Local Action

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11 October, represents a global commitment to addressing the unique challenges facing girls worldwide. Established by the United Nations, the day serves to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights whilst highlighting persistent barriers to their advancement.

By organising a comprehensive celebration of this international observance, the Finima Youth Congress has demonstrated how global advocacy can be translated into meaningful local action. The event addressed critical issues ranging from education access and leadership development to challenging limiting stereotypes about what young women can achieve.

Challenges Noted and Future Path

Organisers acknowledged some logistical constraints (e.g., limited resources, outreach to remote areas) but affirmed plans for follow-up projects such as continuous mentorship, scholarship schemes, and school-based clubs.

The success of the event marks a milestone in our commitment to empowering the girl child, and the Youth Congress hopes to sustain the momentum by launching periodic educational campaigns, monitoring impact, and replicating the celebration in neighbouring communities.

Conclusion

The Finima Youth Congress’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child stands as a compelling example of local engagement on global issues. While the immediate results are celebratory, the true test will be in translating inspiration into sustained programmes and measurable outcomes. With strong community support and clear leadership, the event’s legacy may well extend beyond this single day to benefit future generations of girls in Finima and the wider region.

Source: Official statement from Comr. Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development, Finima Youth Congress

Appeal Court Dismisses Evans Clement Brown’s Case, Affirms Aseme-Alabo Engr. (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown as Paramount Ruler and Amadabo of Finima

Port Harcourt, Nigeria — 9 September 2025

The leadership of the Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area has been decisively settled once again, following today’s ruling by the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, which dismissed the appeal filed by Mr Evans Clement Brown for want of jurisdiction.

Delivering judgment between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Hon. Justice Oluwayemisi E. Williams-Dawodu, sitting with Hon. Justice Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun and a third Justice, held that the appeal was incompetent and struck out the entire proceedings. The ruling leaves Aseme-Alabo Engr. Dr. Dagogo Lambert Brown (Kongo XVII) as the undisputed Chief, Paramount Ruler and Amadabo of Finima.

Case History and Legal Background

The dispute dates back to the Rivers State High Court ruling of 5 October 2022, delivered in Suit No. PHC/1329/CS/2022, where an interlocutory injunction restrained Mr Evans Clement Brown from parading himself as Chief of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House (BOBH).

In response, Mr Brown attempted to appeal. However, he only filed his Notice of Appeal on 6 April 2023, almost five months after the ruling—well outside the statutory timeline. Crucially, he had not obtained the necessary leave of court before doing so.

On 21 November 2023, Mr Brown returned with a fresh application seeking three prayers:

Extension of time to seek leave to appeal;
Leave to appeal;
Extension of time to file a notice of appeal.

The Court of Appeal heard arguments but found the application defective.

Today’s Ruling

Pronouncing judgment, Justice Dawodu stated:

“The application is refused and dismissed. The entire appeal and all related processes are struck out for want of jurisdiction. Parties shall bear their respective costs. I find the appeal incompetent.”

With those words, the Court of Appeal confirmed that Mr Brown’s challenge had collapsed entirely, leaving Engr. Dr. Dagogo Lambert Brown (Kongo XVII) as the legitimate and recognised Paramount Ruler of Finima.

The appeal was entered as Appeal No. CA/PH/331/2023.

Community Reactions

The courtroom pronouncement was met with relief and celebration among supporters of the Brown Omuso Major House, who said it vindicated years of struggle for clarity.

One elder described the judgment as “a triumph for law, tradition and the peace of Finima”. Outside the court, others called it “a divine victory that ends unnecessary distractions.”

Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown, who witnessed the proceedings, noted:
“This ruling is historic. It restores dignity to our traditional stool and clears the path for unity and progress in Finima.”

Implications for Finima

The affirmation of Engr. (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown’s leadership consolidates stability in Finima at a time when the community hosts major energy projects, including facilities of Nigeria LNG (NLNG). Analysts say clarity in traditional leadership is crucial for both cultural cohesion and negotiations with corporate and governmental stakeholders.

Conclusion

With today’s ruling, the Court of Appeal has not only dismissed Evans Clement Brown’s appeal but also struck out the entire proceedings, effectively closing the chapter on a long-standing succession dispute.

For the people of Finima, this represents more than a legal triumph; it is a reaffirmation of tradition, legitimacy, and communal peace.

Congratulations to the Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House and Finima.
God bless Finima.

Unlocking Opportunities: A Finima Youth’s Guide to the NLNG Train 7 Project and Beyond

For years, it has been the talk of the town, a buzz of anticipation felt across Bonny Island. The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 project is more than just another industrial expansion; it is a monumental undertaking, a promise of jobs, and a beacon of opportunity. For the youth of Finima, the primary host community, this project is happening right on your doorstep, representing the single greatest chance in a generation to build a rewarding career and secure a prosperous future.

But with great opportunity comes great confusion. How do you go from hearing about the project to actually working on it? What skills are they really looking for? How do you avoid the scams and false promises that always surround major projects? It can feel like trying to find a specific door in a massive, unmarked building.

This guide is your key. This is your detailed, practical, no-nonsense roadmap to unlocking the opportunities within the Train 7 project and, more importantly, building a career that will last long after the project is complete. It is time to replace uncertainty with a clear, actionable plan.

Part 1: Understanding Your Advantage – The Power of Local Content

Before you even think about skills or CVs, you must understand a fundamental principle that gives you a significant advantage: Local Content. This isn’t just a buzzword; it is a legal and operational framework designed to ensure that projects like Train 7 deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians, with a special focus on host communities like Finima.

The cornerstone of this framework is the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. In simple terms, this law mandates that companies operating in the oil and gas sector must prioritise the use of Nigerian workers, contractors, and services. It was created to stop the old practice of major projects being built almost entirely by foreign experts, leaving local communities on the sidelines.

Flowing from this Act are Community Content Guidelines (CCG). These are specific agreements worked out between NLNG, its contractors, and the host communities. They detail how the broad principles of the NOGICD Act will be applied on the ground. The CCG sets out specific quotas and preferences for the employment of community indigenes, particularly for roles that do not require highly specialised, globally scarce expertise.

What does this mean for YOU?

It means you are not just another applicant in a vast sea of jobseekers. As an indigene of Finima, you are in a legally recognised priority group. When the main contractors for Train 7—a consortium known as the SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda, and Daewoo)—need to hire a welder, a scaffolder, an administrator, or a safety officer, they are obligated by law and by their agreements to look for qualified candidates from Finima first.

However, the key word is qualified. The law gives you the right of first refusal, but it does not guarantee a job if you do not have the required skills. Your advantage is the opportunity; your responsibility is to be prepared. This is where your journey truly begins.

Part 2: The In-Demand Skills – What You Need to Learn Now

Forget generic qualifications. Industrial construction projects on the scale of Train 7 require a specific portfolio of technical and vocational skills. If you want to be a valuable candidate, you need to focus on acquiring skills that are in high demand right now. These can be broken down into key categories.

A. Skilled Trades and Vocations: The Backbone of the Project

These are the hands-on roles that physically build the project. They are consistently in high demand and offer excellent career progression.

Welding (and Pipe Fitting): This is arguably the most sought-after trade. Projects like Train 7 involve connecting thousands of kilometres of pipes. Basic welding is good, but expertise in specialised techniques like TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and Arc welding for industrial pipes will place you at the top of the list. Pipe fitters, who measure, cut, and prepare the pipes for welding, work hand-in-hand with welders and are equally crucial.
Scaffolding: No construction can happen at height without safe and secure scaffolding. Certified scaffolders (basic and advanced) who can erect, modify, and dismantle complex structures are essential for the safety and progress of the entire project.
Electrical Installation & Instrumentation: Every part of a modern gas plant runs on electricity and is controlled by complex instruments. Certified electricians who can safely run industrial cables, install panels, and connect equipment are vital. Instrumentation fitters who can install and calibrate control devices are also a highly specialised and sought-after group.
Crane and Heavy Equipment Operation: Operating mobile cranes, forklifts, and excavators requires specific training and certification. A certified crane operator is one of the most visible and responsible roles on a construction site.

**Image 1: A focused group of young Nigerian men and women in a vocational training centre.** The image shows a bright, modern workshop. In the foreground, a young woman wearing a protective helmet and welding mask is carefully practising TIG welding on a piece of pipe, sparks flying. Behind her, a qualified instructor in overalls is guiding a young man who is looking at a complex electrical panel. The atmosphere is one of serious learning, skill acquisition, and empowerment.

B. Essential Support Roles: Keeping the Project Moving

Not everyone can be a welder. A project of this magnitude needs a huge team of support staff to function efficiently and safely.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Safety is the number one priority on any world-class construction site. A basic HSE certification (Level 1, 2, and 3) is one of the most valuable entry-level qualifications you can obtain. It opens doors to roles like Safety Officer, Fire Watcher, and Permit-to-Work Coordinator.
Logistics and Supply Chain Support: Imagine the sheer volume of materials—pipes, cables, cement, equipment—that need to be received, stored, and delivered to the right location on site at the right time. Roles in materials control, warehouse operation, and logistics coordination are critical.
Administration and Document Control: Major projects generate mountains of paperwork, from technical drawings to work permits and reports. Meticulous and organised individuals are needed for administrative support and document control roles to keep the project information flowing correctly.

C. Professional and Technical Roles: The Brains of the Operation

For those with higher education or specialised experience, there are numerous opportunities.

Engineering: Graduates in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering are needed for roles in supervision, quality control, and project management.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC): These are the inspectors who ensure that all work, especially welding and installation, meets the required international standards. A certification in QA/QC can lead to a highly respected and well-paid career.
IT Support: A modern construction site is heavily reliant on technology, from network connectivity to specialised software. IT professionals are needed to keep these systems running smoothly.

Part 3: Your Four-Step Action Plan – How to Get Hired

Knowing what skills are needed is only half the battle. You now need a concrete plan to make yourself the ideal candidate.

Step 1: Get Certified – Your Proof of Competence

In the industrial world, your word is not enough. You must have official certificates to prove you are trained and competent.

Identify Recognised Centres: Invest in your future by enrolling in a reputable vocational training centre. Look for institutions recognised by industry bodies, such as the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW). Don’t be tempted by cheap, unaccredited “certificate mills.”
Focus on Your Chosen Trade: Decide which skill you want to acquire and pursue the relevant certifications. For HSE, look for qualifications from bodies like NEBOSH or IOSH, which are globally recognised.
Document Everything: Keep all your certificates, training records, and qualifications in a neat, professional portfolio.

Step 2: Build a Professional CV – Your Marketing Document

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the first impression a recruiter will have of you. It must be professional, clear, and tailored to the job you want.

Keep it Clean and Simple: Use a clear font and a simple layout. Focus on readability. Limit it to one or two pages.
Start with Your Contact Details: Your name, phone number, and a professional email address should be at the very top.
List Your Certifications First: For industrial roles, your technical certifications are more important than your academic history. List them clearly near the top of your CV.
Use Action Words: Describe any experience you have using strong verbs. Instead of “Was part of a team,” write “Collaborated with a team to successfully complete…”
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: A single spelling or grammar mistake can get your CV thrown in the bin. Read it over carefully, and ask someone else to check it for you.

**Image 2: A confident, professional young Nigerian woman holding her CV.** The image shows a young woman in her mid-20s, dressed in a smart blouse. She is standing against a plain, well-lit background. She is holding a crisp, printed CV and looking directly at the camera with a slight, confident smile. Her expression is one of hope, readiness, and professionalism, embodying the ideal job applicant

Step 3: Look in the Right Places – The Official Channels

To avoid scams, you must use the official recruitment channels.

The Main Contractors (EPCs): The primary employer for Train 7 construction is the SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda, Daewoo). Monitor their official career websites. Do not pay anyone who claims they can get you a job with them. All official recruitment is free.
Community Portals: Liaise with the official community bodies tasked with interfacing on employment. This could be the Finima Capacity Development Committee (FCDC) or the Finima Youth Congress (FYC). They are the official channels for receiving information and submitting CVs for community-specific roles. They will help you filter out fraudulent “agents.”

Step 4: Think Beyond Train 7 – Build a Lifelong Career

This is the most important step of all. Do not view Train 7 as a one-time job; view it as a world-class training ground. The skills you acquire here are not just “Train 7 skills”; they are globally recognised industrial skills.

Gain Experience: Once on the project, be a sponge. Learn everything you can. Show up on time, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude.
Network Professionally: Build good relationships with your supervisors and colleagues. These connections can lead to future opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: A certified industrial welder or a qualified HSE officer from the Train 7 project can go on to work on other major projects in the Niger Delta, in the Nigerian maritime industry, or even internationally. The end of the Train 7 construction phase should be the beginning of your long and successful career, not the end of a job.

Image 3: A wide, inspiring shot of a major industrial construction site at dawn. The image shows the silhouette of a massive industrial plant under construction, similar to the NLNG facility. Cranes reach into the early morning sky, and the intricate network of scaffolding and pipes is visible. The rising sun creates a dramatic orange and purple glow on the horizon, symbolising a new day and new opportunities. The scale of the project conveys a sense of ambition and the vast potential for employment. — **Image 3: A wide, inspiring shot of a major industrial construction site at dawn.** The image shows the silhouette of a massive industrial plant under construction, similar to the NLNG facility. Cranes reach into the early morning sky, and the intricate network of scaffolding and pipes is visible. The rising sun creates a dramatic orange and purple glow on the horizon, symbolising a new day and new opportunities. The scale of the project conveys a sense of ambition and the vast potential for employment.

Conclusion: Your Future is in Your Hands

The NLNG Train 7 project is a generational opportunity, but it is not a lottery ticket. Success will not be handed to you; it must be earned through preparation, dedication, and strategic action. The doors are open for the youth of Finima in a way they are not for others, but it is up to you to acquire the skills and professionalism needed to walk through them.

Use this guide as your starting point. Invest in yourself by getting certified. Craft a CV that makes you proud. Use the official community channels to find your path. See this not just as a chance to get a job, but as a chance to build a career that will empower you, your family, and your community for decades to come.

The hum of construction on your doorstep is the sound of opportunity knocking. It is time to answer the door.