Solution Social Initiative (SSI), a non-governmental organisation, has announced the commencement of the Ikwerre Youth Empowerment and Vocational Development Programme (IYEVDEP) in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development.
The programme is designed to address rising youth unemployment, social vulnerability and economic hardship across communities in Rivers State, particularly within Ikwerre Local Government Area. According to SSI, the initiative will provide certified skills acquisition and empowerment training aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion among young people.
The training programme is scheduled to hold at the Omuada Community Town Hall, by Playground, Omuada Aluu, Rivers State. Participants will receive practical training across several areas including digital literacy, vocational development, technical skills and leadership development.
SSI said the programme is structured to equip participants with skills that can support self-reliance, innovation and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The organisation noted that the initiative goes beyond conventional empowerment programmes and is intended to create long-term economic value for young people.
Training modules will cover financial literacy, photography, cinematography, graphic design, content creation, baking and confectionery, soap and perfume production, technical and artisan skills, basic ICT and workplace readiness. The programme will also create employment and empowerment opportunities for Nigerian graduates who completed their studies between 2022 and 2025.
In a statement, SSI described IYEVDEP as a strategic grassroots intervention focused on repositioning Rivers youths towards productivity, enterprise development and responsible community leadership.
“The programme is not merely an empowerment event, but a strategic grassroots movement aimed at repositioning Rivers youths, particularly Ikwerre youths, towards productivity, enterprise development, economic inclusion and responsible community leadership,” the organisation said.
SSI added that the programme has already gained support from stakeholders following extensive engagement across Rivers State. According to the organisation, community leaders, youth groups, religious institutions, security stakeholders, business leaders, oil and gas operators and development partners have identified the initiative as a timely response to youth unemployment and social challenges.
The organisation also acknowledged the support of the Omuada Community leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Dandison Nwonkwo for approving the use of the community town hall for the programme.
SSI urged youths across Rivers State to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the initiative as a platform capable of transforming practical skills into sustainable economic opportunities. It also called on corporate organisations, financial institutions, development agencies, philanthropists and other stakeholders to support the programme through partnerships and sponsorship.
Interested participants can register online through the QR code provided on the programme flyer or obtain registration forms free of charge at the Solution Social Initiative (SSI) office located at Omuike, Aluu, along Omagwa Road by OSPAC Checkpoint.
