The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment with the inauguration of an ultra modern Adolescent and Young People Innovation Hub aimed at reducing unemployment and social vulnerability among young people. The facility was unveiled on Thursday in Fimie community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Ure, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of adolescents and young people. She said the hub was designed to address unemployment, health risks and other social challenges facing youths, noting that the project aligns with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s development agenda, particularly in strengthening HIV response and building a skilled and productive population.
Ure explained that the centre was established by the state government in partnership with the United States Centres for Disease Control in Nigeria, through the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, and Project Hope. According to her, the hub is equipped with modern facilities for training in ICT and robotics, arts and media, beauty and vocational skills, as well as counselling, food technology, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and health services to meet the diverse needs of young people.
The Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr Charles Mensah, said the programme would admit at least 50 trainees per six month batch, adding that participants would receive start up kits after completion to support self employment. The Programme Operations Manager of Project Hope, Mrs Adeola Seweje, said the initiative offers a holistic response to unemployment and vulnerability, while the Paramount Ruler of Fimie Kingdom, Dr Bernard Fimie, pledged community support to protect the facility and ensure youths fully benefit from the programme.