Ogoni Youths Set For “OGONIWOOD” As HYPREP Launches Film Industry Skills Training
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Program (HYPREP) has taken significant steps to empower Ogoni youths through a new initiative aimed at launching a local film industry dubbed “OGONIWOOD.”
Speaking during the HYPREP Creative Arts/Livelihood training Program for 100 Ogoni youths at the University of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, expressed optimism that Ogoni can develop its own film industry.
He emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing high-demand skill acquisition in the creative arts.
Developed in collaboration with Halibez Consult Ltd and the Institute of Arts and Culture at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Zabbey said the program is part of HYPREP’s broader sustainable livelihood initiative.
He added that the aim is to strategically position Ogoni youths within the creative sector, which is one of four specialized skills offered under this initiative.
In her speech, the Head of Livelihood at HYPREP, Dr Mrs Josephine Nzidee, underscored the agency’s commitment to empowering Ogoni youths through practical skills development, stating that the current training initiative is designed to open doors to sustainable livelihoods for young people in the region.
She called on all participants to take the opportunity seriously, urging them to engage actively in every session and to use the skills and knowledge gained to uplift not only themselves, but also their communities.
Nzidee emphasized that such empowerment is central to HYPREP’s broader mandate of restoring livelihoods and fostering economic growth in Ogoniland, noting that the agency has already trained thousands of youths and women across various skill areas and provided them with starter kits to help them launch or strengthen their businesses.
She further assured the beneficiaries that HYPREP’s support would not end with the completion of the training, but would continue as they strive to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Nzidee acknowledged the challenges involved in implementing large-scale livelihood programs, but expressed confidence in the positive impact the trainees will have across Ogoni’s four local government areas.
She reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and sustained community engagement, stressing that the success of the project depends on the active participation and ownership of the beneficiaries.
Addressing the trainees, the Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at Uniport, Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, confirmed that the training will last for four months.
“It will focus on practical skills, covering areas such as Film Production Techniques, Acting, Script Writing, and Make-up,” he stated.
Dr. Ihunwo emphasized that trainees will receive hands-on experience, guided by prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to National Network, praised HYPREP for the training and its transparency, expressing their commitment to fully utilize this opportunity.
