Tag: community

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Finima Youth Congress Leads Successful Market Sanitation Exercise at Agaja Market

Community Spirit Shines in Agaja Market Sanitation Drive

By Omie D. Brown, Special Correspondent

Finima, Bonny Local Government Area – A wave of community-driven action swept through Agaja Market on Thursday, 14 August 2025, as local traders and a dedicated environmental team joined forces for a comprehensive sanitation exercise. The initiative, spearheaded by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Environmental Committee, underscored a strong and ongoing commitment to public health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability within the Finima community and the wider Bonny Local Government Area.

The periodic clean-up, conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., was described as a resounding success, demonstrating the power of a united community. Led by the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of the FYC Environmental Committee, Omie D. Brown, and executed under the direct instruction of the FYC Director of Environment, the operation forms part of the FYC’s long-standing resolution to maintain a clean and healthy environment for both residents and visitors.

Market Women Lead by Example

The response from the market women was overwhelmingly positive. Guided by their own leadership, traders participated with enthusiasm, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. Witnesses reported a high level of compliance, with market women diligently clearing refuse, sweeping stalls, and ensuring that trading areas were spotless.

For two hours, the normally bustling market transformed into a hive of coordinated cleaning activities. Stalls were rearranged, waste was collected in an orderly fashion, and the drainage channels were cleared of debris. The scene reflected a community determined to set a high standard for cleanliness.

A senior market representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the general sentiment:

“We are so happy with how clean the market looks now. The FYC team has done a wonderful job in organising this, and it shows what we can achieve when we all work together.”

Shared Pride in a Job Well Done

Following the completion of the exercise, the atmosphere in the market was one of palpable satisfaction. Traders resumed their daily business against the backdrop of a cleaner, more welcoming environment. Many expressed their gratitude to the FYC Environmental Committee and the FYC Central Executive Council for initiating, enforcing, and overseeing the sanitation exercise.

The traders’ praise was accompanied by a pledge—one that holds significant meaning for the community’s environmental future. They promised to continue observing the sanitation routine regularly, even without external supervision. This commitment marks a shift from reactive clean-ups to a proactive, ingrained culture of cleanliness.

Such self-sustainability is a hallmark of successful community-led initiatives, and in this case, it signifies a long-term win for both the FYC and the people of Finima.

Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Support

Despite the upbeat mood, the market women also seized the moment to raise pressing infrastructural concerns. They issued a heartfelt appeal to the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and other stakeholders, urging immediate intervention in rehabilitating the market’s borehole.

A reliable supply of potable water, they stressed, is vital for maintaining hygiene in both food preparation and general market operations. The lack of a functioning borehole hampers these efforts and undermines the sanitation gains made during such exercises.

One stall owner put it plainly:

“A clean environment is not just about sweeping and tidying up; it’s also about having the basic amenities to support that cleanliness. We need clean water for our produce and for ourselves, and proper toilets are essential for public health. We hope the LGA and other stakeholders hear our plea and come to our aid.”

Alongside the call for water infrastructure, traders also highlighted the urgent need for functional, well-maintained toilet facilities. Without these, they warned, it will be difficult to sustain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of disease.

FYC’s Ongoing Mission for a Cleaner Finima

The FYC Environmental Committee has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness in the Finima community. Regular market sanitation exercises, community-wide clean-up campaigns, and educational outreach form part of their broader strategy to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Speaking after the exercise, Omie D. Brown reaffirmed the organisation’s vision:

“Today’s success shows what’s possible when a community comes together. Our goal has always been to instil a culture of environmental responsibility that will last for generations. The market women’s commitment to continuing this work, even without our direct supervision, is proof that change is taking root.”

A Model for Other Communities

The Agaja Market clean-up stands as a model for other markets and communities across the Niger Delta and beyond. It demonstrates that when local leadership, community members, and youth organisations work hand-in-hand, tangible improvements in public health and environmental quality can be achieved.

However, sustaining these results will require continued investment and collaboration. Stakeholders, both public and private, have an opportunity to reinforce the community’s efforts by addressing infrastructure needs such as the borehole and sanitation facilities.

Providing these amenities would not only safeguard public health but also serve as a powerful endorsement of the traders’ self-help initiatives. It would show that community-driven projects are not only acknowledged but supported at higher levels of governance.

Looking Ahead

The story of Agaja Market on 14 August 2025 is one of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision. It is about a community taking ownership of its environment, celebrating its achievements, and advocating for the resources it needs to sustain them.

As the freshly cleaned stalls reopened for business, the air carried more than the scent of fresh produce; it carried a renewed sense of pride and unity. The clean-up was more than an exercise—it was a declaration that environmental stewardship in Finima is not just a policy but a way of life.

Now, the challenge and opportunity lie with local authorities and stakeholders to respond to the market women’s plea, ensuring that this vision of a healthier, cleaner future becomes a permanent reality.

🖊️ Omie D. Brown
P.R.O – FYC Environmental Committee
For and on behalf of the FYC Director of Environment

children protesting against abomination

Breaking the Chains: Finima Youth Congress Leads the Charge Against Drug Abuse on International Day

FINIMA, Rivers State—June 26, 2025— Today, as the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has pledged its unwavering commitment to combating this pervasive issue within its community. Under this year’s poignant theme, “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All”, the FYC has outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and the broader societal fabric.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, serves as a global call to action to strengthen cooperation and achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This annual observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and to inspire worldwide efforts to reduce drug demand and supply. The theme “Breaking the Chains” resonates deeply with the FYC’s proactive stance, highlighting the critical need for a multi-faceted approach that not only prevents individuals from falling victim to addiction but also provides robust support for those on the path to recovery.

Comrade Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development for the Finima Youth Congress, articulated the organisation’s profound concern and sense of responsibility. “As a responsible and concerned youth organisation,” Comr. Brown stated in a press release issued today, “the Finima Youth Congress recognises the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities. We acknowledge the crucial role we play in prevention and support.” His words underscore the FYC’s understanding that youth organisations, by virtue of their direct engagement with the demographic most vulnerable to drug-related challenges, hold a unique and powerful position in shaping positive outcomes.

The FYC’s strategy is built upon three core pillars: Awareness Creation, Support for Recovery, and Community Engagement. Each pillar is designed to address a distinct yet interconnected aspect of the drug abuse crisis.

Firstly, Awareness Creation will be a cornerstone of the FYC’s efforts. The organisation plans to intensify its educational initiatives, reaching out to its members and the wider Finima community. These efforts will focus on disseminating accurate information about the myriad dangers associated with drug abuse, encompassing both the immediate and long-term health consequences as well as the social and economic repercussions. Furthermore, the campaigns will actively promote healthy lifestyles, emphasising alternative activities and positive coping mechanisms as a bulwark against the allure of illicit substances. This proactive approach aims to equip individuals, particularly young people, with the knowledge and resilience needed to make informed choices and resist peer pressure.

Secondly, the FYC has committed to providing Support for Recovery. This crucial aspect acknowledges that prevention alone is insufficient; many individuals are already grappling with addiction and require empathetic and effective assistance to reclaim their lives. While the specifics of the support mechanisms are yet to be fully detailed, the FYC’s pledge to “ensure they receive the help they need to recover” suggests a commitment to connecting individuals with professional counselling services, rehabilitation programmes, and peer support networks. This could involve acting as a referral service, a liaison with mental health professionals, or even establishing safe spaces for sharing experiences and offering mutual encouragement. The emphasis here is on a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to recovery, recognising that addiction is a complex health issue rather than a moral failing.

Finally, Community Engagement forms the third vital component of the FYC’s strategy. The organisation understands that the fight against drug abuse cannot be waged in isolation. Therefore, it plans to actively engage with local authorities, including law enforcement agencies, as well as other community organisations and stakeholders. This collaborative approach is intended to foster a unified front against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, promoting the sharing of resources, intelligence, and best practices. By working in concert, the FYC believes that a more holistic and effective response can be mounted, addressing not only the symptoms of drug abuse but also its underlying root causes. This could involve joint awareness campaigns, intelligence sharing to disrupt supply chains, or collaborative initiatives to create more opportunities for youth development and engagement, thereby reducing vulnerability to drug use.

In a tangible demonstration of its commitment, the Finima Youth Congress announced that it would commence its fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking immediately. “In commemoration of this day”, the press release stated, “we will commence the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in our community, collaborating with the law enforcement agencies and others to identify and address the root causes of drug abuse.” This direct call to action signifies a shift from mere rhetoric to concrete steps, signalling the FYC’s readiness to actively participate in intelligence gathering, community policing efforts, and initiatives aimed at dismantling drug networks.

Comr. Abraham Brown concluded his statement with a powerful call for unity: “Together, We Can Make a Difference. Let us join forces to break the chains of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. We urge everyone to get involved in the fight against this scourge.” This message underscores the collective responsibility that lies with every member of society – individuals, families, community groups, and government agencies – to contribute to creating a drug-free environment.

The Finima Youth Congress’s proactive stance on this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking offers a beacon of hope for the Finima community. By focusing on prevention, providing support for recovery, and fostering robust community engagement, the FYC aims to not only mitigate the devastating effects of drug abuse but also empower its community members to build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future, free from the insidious grip of addiction. The journey to break the chains of drug abuse is long and challenging, but with dedicated organisations like the Finima Youth Congress leading the charge, the prospect of a brighter tomorrow appears increasingly within reach.

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.