Rivers
HYPREP Trains 300 Ogonis On Business Proposal Dev
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.
A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.
Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.
Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.
Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.
Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.
In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more
He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.
Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.
The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.
Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.
Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.
Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso