The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has charged 100 Ogoni youths trained in Creative Arts to use their skills to ensure that Ogoni stories are told and heard in the right way.
The trainees, who completed a four-month training program in Script Writing, Film production, and Make-up, were beneficiaries of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood program aimed at providing high-demand skills to Ogoni youths in the lucrative creative arts and entertainment industry.
Speaking at the passing out ceremony, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, described the Creative Arts Training as a strategic effort to create alternative sources of livelihood for Ogoni youths.
He noted that the training would serve as a springboard into the industry, enabling the trainees to earn a living, become entrepreneurs, and open new doors of opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Zabbey, however, urged the trainees to utilize their skills and platforms to promote civic responsibility, peace, and environmental sustainability. He also encouraged them to highlight the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report and to speak for HYPREP.
Zabbey added that HYPREP has trained 230 Ogoni youths in high-demand skills, including Seafaring and Aviation. The project plans to commence training in other skill areas, including Mechatronics, Full-Stack Development, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Additionally, HYPREP will train Ogoni Persons Living with Disabilities in five skill sets, including Fish farming, Basic Computer Skills, Photography, Fashion and Design, and Shoemaking.
Meanwhile, the trainees produced four short films during the training period, including “Dirty Festival,” “Open Pain,” “Bomu,” and “Green War.” One of the films, “Dirty Festival,” was premiered at the ceremony. The project coordinator commended the trainees for their hard work and dedication.
