The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Rivers State Chapter, has flagged off its Legacy Free Skills Acquisition Programme in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, ONELGA, with a call on youths to embrace skills that can promote self-reliance.
The programme was flagged off at Clarion Hotels, Okposi.
The State Chairman, Dr. Chimenem Bobo Worlu, said the programme would extend across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, offering practical training in chemical production, craft and design, engineering, solar and CCTV installation, ICT, fashion and design, POP and other vocational skills.
Dr.Worlu described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of Rivers youths.
He said the programme was designed to promote self-reliance, reduce youth restiveness and equip young people with practical skills that could translate into sustainable livelihoods.
He stressed that the training is completely free, requiring only participants’ time, commitment and determination to learn.
He advised the youths to seize the opportunity and demonstrate that Rivers youths are talented, productive and capable of becoming self-reliant.
He charged participants to remain committed to the programme, warning that repeated absence without a cogent reason could lead to disqualification.
Dr.Worlu also expressed confidence in the emerging leadership of Rep. O. K. Chinda, the incoming Governor of Rivers State, whom he described as an “empowerment machine” with a strong record of investing in the development and empowerment of young people.
He said the NYCN was deliberately preparing Rivers youths to take full advantage of the opportunities the incoming administration had promised to create for them.
He also commended Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, and Bro. Felix Obuah for their contributions to youth empowerment.
He expressed optimism, that sustained investment in skills and human capital would help position Rivers State as a leading hub of innovation, enterprise and youth development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ONELGA, Dr. Chukwu Shedrack Ogbogu, Esq., represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Ndulaka Oki, commended the NYCN Rivers State leadership for introducing the initiative.
Oki described the programme as a valuable investment in the future of the youths.
He urged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that skills create value, promote self-reliance and reduce idleness, violence and other social vices.
He also encouraged every participant to pursue excellence in their chosen field and make the most of the opportunity.
Earlier, the ONELGA Coordinator and Chairman of the NYCN Coordinators Forum, Mr. Ugechi Peter Jnr. Godstime, expressed appreciation to the State leadership for the initiative.
He assured that ONELGA youths would remain committed to the programme.
A patron of the NYCN ONELGA Chapter, Prof. Chief Engr. Nelson Ekperi, Onueze of Okwuzi, was also inaugurated at the event.
The inauguration was performed by Hon. Hanachor B. Worlu, PhD, who commended the Patron for his support and commitment to youth development.
In his response, Prof. Ekperi appreciated the council for the honour and pledged his continued support whenever called upon to contribute to the advancement of youths in ONELGA.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of Rivers West Senatorial District, Mr. Collins Isaac, commended the NYCN for the initiative.
The event was attended by NYCN leaders and other stakeholders, including the State PRO, Amb. Prince Alerechi; Engr. Ejike Omodo, SSA on Industrial and Community Matters to the ONELGA Chairman; Mr Prince Clement, Omuma Coordinator; Chimmezulem Owhonda, Esq.; and Mr. Eze Oti, Orashi Youth President.
