…As PNC kicks off in Uyo

By Godswill Odiong

Mr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Monday urged industry leaders to embrace the game of golf to stay fit and healthy.

Wabote, spoke to newsmen on the first day of the 11th Edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Forum, organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

“Oil workers put in a lot and work very hard and therefore, need to play golf to stay fit and healthy.

“Golfers all over the country are here to participate in the first day of the PNC event. This is the second time we are holding it in Uyo; and I guess for the next three days we are going to have the conference proper but the golf tournament is a precursor to the event itself.

Wabote reiterated that the support given by the Board to the game in Nigeria is also part of the local content drive. He noted that over 90% of the golfers at the tournament were Nigerians which will further reinforce that the game can be played locally and internationally.

“As long as I remain the Executive Secretary (NCDMB) we would continue to have golf first day of all the conference we are involved in” Wabote mentioned.

The golf event also featured prize contest as senior citizens, golfers aged 60 and above,  slugged it out in the scorching sun, exhibiting energy, skills and talents that belied their ages. At the end, results and prizes were announced. Overall winner was Mr. Onofiok Onofiok while Akan Udi won the seniors Men category.

The conference continues on Day Two with an opening keynote address by the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote (FNSE, FIPS), and a ministerial address by His Excellency, Hon. Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Chairman, Governing Board of NCDMB. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, is also expected to deliver remarks, declaring the conference open.