A total of 105 youths
across Ogoni communities in Rivers State have graduated from the Livewire (Alternative Livehood) programme organised by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in partnership with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA).
The youths were trained in Beauty therapy, welding and fabrication, computer, carpentry, catering, Basic fashion and tailoring skills, electrical, among other trades.
At a graduation ceremony last week at WTTC Bori, the Managing Director and Country Chair of SPDC, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, said the lucky youths graduated after a three months intensive training.
“We are happy about the successful completion of the Livewire training programme, and are pleased to see this group of young entrepreneurs start up businesses that will contribute to the economic development of communities”, Mutiu said.
The SPDC boss stated that the initiative which started in 2003 is part of a global flagship programme for youth enterprise development intervention in Nigeria.
The Shell MD who was represented at the event by the Manager, Ogoni Restoration Project, Mr Austin Igbuku said the programme which has undergone some improvements over the years, now provides access to an incubation centre to support growth and establishment of new businesses, mentoring by already successful entrepreneurs, an alumni network, as well as Shell supplier opportunities.
“The programme also encourages the establishment of co-operatives, which can be achieved when trainees in the same skill area agree to pool resources to set-up and co-own a business with the support of our implementing partners”, Mutiu said, stressing the need for trainees to work  hard and remain steadfast at their various ventures irrespective of challenges.
In his own speech, the Executive Director of RSSDA, Mr Noble Pepple, expressed excitement at the success of the partnership and noted that such initiative was part of the mandate given to the agency to improve people of the state and the local economy.
The Executive Director who was represented by the Manager, Business Development and Job Creation in RSSDA, Mrs Blessing Daniel-Kalio said the agency trained the youths thoroughly in theory and practical and expressed confidence that with the quality of training, the trainees stand the chance of competing favourably in the open market and urged them to put the knowledge acquired into good use.
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Godwin Giniwa, expressed joy at the event and said the initiative would have a positive multiplier effect on the development of Ogoni communities.
The Majesty who was represented by Chief Sunday Nsane, Paramount ruler of Koroma Tai lauded SPDC and RSSDA and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the programme and advised the graduands to take full advantage of the programme to develop themselves and train others.
Highlight of the event was the handover of starter pack to the happy graduands and excellence awards to those who emerged first in various trades.

Chris Oluoh