The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, says the Youths and Young Adults Training and Empowerment Programme she organized for the Old Degema Province is a bold initiative to bridge the practical-skills-set our local government areas need to be abreast with modern realities.
Banigo stated this during the flag off of a one-month Free Special Skills Acquisition Training and Empowerment Programme for three thousand youths, at the Degema Stadium, last Monday.
According to Banigo, beneficiaries of the programme are expected to be self-reliant with intent to contribute meaning fully to the micro- economy of their respective local government areas and the state at large.
She said the Christian based entrepreneurship programme is being organised in collaboration with Redemption Ministries, which had done similar programmes in Bayelsa State and the Western part of the country.
The deputy governor, who disclosed that the programme has unique features that are intrinsically distinct from other skills acquisition programmes, said: “entrenched in this skills acquisition programme is fibre glass boat making, and ICT training that incorporates programming and networking, participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to repair laptops and handsets.”
She said cinematography skills would also be imparted to the teeming youths to enable them fit into the Nigerian film industry, which according to her has gained global acceptance.
Banigo commended the Chairmen of Akuku-Toru, Asari Toru and Degema Local Government Areas for providing logistics for participants and urged the participants to continue to support the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
In his remarks, the General Overseer of Redemption Ministries, Rev. Stephen Akinola advised participants to take the training seriously, noting that the programme which the deputy governor brought to the three local government areas is destined to transform their lives.
Giving an over view, the Programme Coordinator, Pastor Christopher Briggs, said in the next four weeks participants shall interact with seasoned lecturers and facilitators drawn from diverse professions and backgrounds, noting that it will involve the teaching of skills and handiworks that youths can depend on to become young business owners, financially independent and productive citizens.
In their goodwill messages the chairmen of Akuku-Toru, Asari Toru and Degema Local Government Areas thanked the deputy governor, for initiating the programme and pledged to support the programme.
The Amayanabo of Kalabari, King Prof. T.J.T. Princewill, Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel were represented at the occasion.
The deputy governor had earlier paid a courtesy call on King Reuben Zechariah Amos, the Onu-Onyan-Ekein of Udekama (Degema) Kingdom in his palace.
The keynote address was presented by Mr. Innocent Iyalla Harry.