CIPA Trains 27,000 In Skills Acquisition

No fewer than 27,000 persons, mostly women have benefitted from the skills acquisition programme of the International Centre for Population and Development Activities (CIPA) since its inception in 2005.
Coordinator of the centre, Mr Joseph David disclosed this at the 25th lecture/graduation ceremony of beneficiaries of the programme held at Corpus Christy Cathedral, Port Harcourt last Thursday.
According to him, the centre which is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has the vision to assist and empower the less-privileged in the society with a view to making them self-reliant as well as complement the policies and programmes of government.
David explained that the organisation has about sixty skills acquisition programmes including hair dressing, computer training, driving, catering, sewing among others, adding that the centre’s goal was focused on ensuring an improved human capacity that would contribute to the nation’s development and economy.
The coordinator added that apart from providing skills, the organisation also addresses the issues of core value, transparency, integrity and character moulding as well as conflict resolution, health and environmental sustainability and education challenges.
He, however, argued that the idea of arresting and prosecuting corrupt persons was not the best way of tackling corruption but rather sensitise the people on attitudinal change and expressed the belief that when youths are empowered with skills, crime would be drastically reduced.
David noted that the organisation is enjoying its partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), governments, companies and individuals and appealed for more support from other stakeholders.
In their separate goodwill speeches, representatives of the Army in Rivers State, Brigadier-General Emeka Obidaya, NDLEA, Command Ogbungbada, NSCDC, Basil Chukwuemeka Ugochukwu and NYSC, Mrs Ojugo Elizabeth commended CIPA for its activities which are in line with government’s policies and programmes and promised to work in synergy with the organisation.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of excellence award to Silver Bird Radio Station (Rhythm 93.7) and Mrs Abiye Beremovowe, by the centre.