Ogoni Youths Urged To Accurately Tell Their Land’s Story

Ogoni youths have been urged to ensure that the stories of Ogoni are told and heard accurately.

The call was made on Thursday by Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), at the closing ceremony of a Creative Arts training program for 100 Ogoni youths.

The training was conducted by the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Port Harcourt.

Professor Zabbey encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage their newly acquired skills to ensure the Ogoni narrative is conveyed truthfully and effectively.

These trainees, who completed a four-month program in Script Writing, Film Production, and Make-up, are participants in HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood program.

This initiative aims to equip Ogoni youths with in-demand skills applicable to the thriving creative arts and entertainment industry.

Describing the Creative Arts Training, along with other programs and interventions, as HYPREP’s strategic and sustained effort to create alternative livelihood sources, Zabbey stated: “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 added.

Commending the trainees for producing four short films during the program, including “Dirty Festival,” which premiered at the ceremony, the Project Coordinator said the training would serve as a springboard into the industry.

He noted it would enable them to earn a living, become entrepreneurs, and unlock new opportunities for themselves and their communities. The other three films are titled “Open Pain,” “Bomu,” and “Green War.”

He further enjoined them to utilise their skills and platforms to promote civic responsibility, peace, and environmental sustainability.

He urged them to ensure that Ogoni’s voice is heard accurately, to speak on behalf of HYPREP, and to highlight the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

Other speakers at the event, including Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services at HYPREP; Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, Head of the Theatre Arts Department at Uniport; Chief Douglas Experience, Project Manager of Halibiz Consult Ltd; and Mrs. Josephine Nzidee, Head of Sustainable Livelihood at HYPREP, all praised HYPREP for the training and encouraged the trainees to maximise the opportunity.

The trainees were subsequently presented with Certificates of Participation.

With the conclusion of the Creative Arts training for 100 individuals, HYPREP has now trained 230 Ogoni youths in high-demand skill sets, including Seafaring (100) and Aviation (30).

This year, the Project will commence training in other skill areas, including Mechatronics, Aviation, Full-Stack Development, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Also planned is training for Ogoni Persons Living with Disabilities in five skill sets: Fish Farming, Basic Computer Skills, Photography, Fashion and Design, and Shoemaking. This aligns with their needs assessment and HYPREP’s policy of inclusivity.