The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has trained 300 Ogoni graduates and undergraduates on business proposal development as a way of expanding their capacity and empowering them to be worthy ambassadors of the Ogoni clean-up.
HYPREP dropped this hint during a three-day business proposal development workshop which was anchored by a Ghanaian expert and Synergy Impact Consult, Mr Delasi Frank Amable, at the NAFOWA multipurpose hall, Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, recently.
The event attracted enthusiastic Ogoni youths, HYPREP officials, and renowned experts, including Prof Ibisime Etela.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Deinibarini Zabbey, said, in his opening remarks that the workshop was targeted at Ogoni youths as a way of empowering them and expanding their capacity on proposal writing.
According to him, the workshop is a HYPREP initiative for providing alternative livelihoods to the hydrocarbon-impacted communities of Ogoniland, and a continuation of its commitment to empowering the youths of Ogoniland, following the success of the career enhancement and employability workshop held in April, earlier this year.
“I understand your participation and discussions in WhatsApp groups created for mentorship at the career enhancement and employability workshop have been robust and inspiring.This follow-up workshop is being held to expand your capacity and that of other Ogonis within your network”, he said.
Zabbey further indicated that HYPREP believed in the immense potential of Ogoni youths, stressing that its vision is to provide them with the necessary tools, knowledge and skills to turn that potential into real opportunities for their advancement.
He said the business proposal development workshop was designed to do just that by equipping them with practical knowledge on writing various proposals; sourcing funds; and obtaining scholarships for further studies and investments.
According to him, in today’s competitive world, the ability to write a compelling proposal can open many doors.
“It is important to note that whether you are seeking to fund a start-up, a community project or your education, the power of a well-crafted proposal cannot be overstated; a good proposal is a bridge between your innovative ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life”, he said.
The Project Coordinator hinted that the workshop would cover several key areas and unveil improved strategies for the participants’ application like Understanding the Essentials of Business Proposals; Grant Writing Techniques; Sourcing/Accessing Funds; and Effective Strategies for Scholarship Applications.
He said the facilitators for the workshop were experts with years of experience in local and international contexts, who would bring a wealth of knowledge and more, that would be invaluable, adding that HYPREP would continue to support the participants, to answer their questions and to provide the guidance they need.
“Remember, the skills you acquire today will not only help you in your aspiration and professional endeavours, but will also contribute to the broader development of Ogoniland and the nation. We believe that your success leads to the overall success of HYPREP”, Zabbey stated.
He, therefore, urged the participants to fully engage with the workshop and also be positive in the pursuit of their goals.
The project coordinator further enjoined them to be worthy ambassadors of the Ogoni clean-up, and stand up against vandalism and theft of HYPREP facilities in Ogoniland, saying, “Preach the message of peace and embrace civic education and environmental stewardship”.
Zabbey told newsmen in an interview that the participants who were selected from the four Ogoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State, were undergraduates in their penultimate and final years in tertiary institutions and fresh graduates, who graduated one to three years ago.
He disclosed that in selecting the participants, HYPREP took into consideration its policy thrust of inclusion, both the gender and social dimension of it, saying, “It is a good mix. It is quite encouraging”.
He said, “having interacted with some of the participants, they are brilliant, determined and resilient people”.
The workshop facilitator, Mr Delasi Frank Amable, drilled the participants on varied topics such as Programme Proposal Vs Academic Proposal; Linking the Proposal with Logical Framework Matrix; Context Analysis; Mind Mapping; Problem and Solution Analysis; and Risks Assessment; among others.