By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has urged the 100 ogoni youth receiving creative art close out training to tell the untold stories of Ogoni people rightly.
The Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey emphasized this at the concluded 4month creative arts close out training held at the Theatre Arts Department, University of Port Harcourt.
He also called on the beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to ensure to promote ogoni culture, environmental sustainability
and all untold stories not heard our people .
Prof. Zabbey described the creative arts training as well as other programmes and intervention as HYPREP’s strategic sustained effort to create alternative sources of livelihood.
”We targeted capacity building for Ogoni youths and women remains a central strategy in HYPREP’s livelihood restoration and improvement efforts.
”Our goal is to reach every part of the Ogoni community and ensure that no group or talent pool is left behind.
This training is a deliberate step to empower young people who aspire to make their mark in the creative and entertainment industry” he explained.
He also commended the trainees for producing four short films within the training period.
“One of which was premiered at the ceremony-Dirty Festival”.
He said that the training would serve as a springboard into the industry.
“This will enable them earn a living, become entrepreneurs, open new opportunities for themselves and communities. The three other movies are Open Pain, Bomu and Green War”, he maintained.
He told the trainees to highlight HYPREP progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report.
HYPREP has trained youth in Creative Arts training(100), 230 Ogoni youths in high demand skill sets viz Seafaring(100) and Aviation (30).
The Project will this year, commence training in other skill areas such as Mechatronic, Aviation, Full-Stack Development, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Also, Training for Ogoni persons living with disabilities in 5 skill sets- Fish farming, Basic Computer Skills.
Others are: Photography, Fashion and Design and Shoemaking in line with their needs assessment and HYPREP’s policy of inclusivity.
Other speakers at the event, including the Director Technical Services of HYPREP, Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Dr Ovunda Ihunwo, HoD, Theatre Arts Department, Uniport, Chief Douglas Experience, Project Manager, Halibiz Consult Ltd and Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head, Sustainable Livelihood of HYPREP,
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