The Executive Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Barr. Vincent Nemieboka, has donated N1 million to support a holiday skill acquisition programme initiated by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for primary and secondary school students in the area.
Nemieboka announced the donation during a visit to the Council’s Administrative Hall, where the corps members are conducting free vocational training for pupils and students as part of efforts to equip them with practical and entrepreneurial skills during the school holiday.
Commending the corps members for what he described as their creativity, innovation and commitment to community development, the council chairman said skills acquisition remains a critical pathway to economic growth and youth empowerment.
He noted that the initiative, which he described as the first of its kind in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, aligns with his administration’s commitment to human capital development.
Nemieboka directed that N500,000 of the donation be used to offset the cost of materials purchased for the training, while the remaining N500,000 should serve as a welfare package for the corps members in appreciation of their selfless service.
He also assured the corps members of the council’s continued support, disclosing that arrangements were underway for a formal reception where members of his administration and key stakeholders would officially welcome them to the local government in keeping with the renowned hospitality of the Ogu/Bolo people.
The holiday training programme was funded initially with N300,000 received by the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) from the Anglican Communion in Ogu/Bolo during an outreach programme.
The corps members invested the funds in the purchase of training materials for practical sessions in pastry making, including chin-chin, cakes, meat pies and small chops, as well as local and international cuisine, soap and liquid soap production, makeup artistry, makeover techniques, gele tying and other vocational skills designed to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among participating students.
The initiative has attracted commendation from residents, who described it as a timely intervention that will expose young people to productive skills and encourage entrepreneurship from an early age.
