The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has graduated 30 young people from an advanced fashion and garment design training programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to equip young people with practical skills, encourage entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities across the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the beneficiaries were selected from 100 participants who took part in the commission’s fashion design programme in 2025. He explained that the final 30 were chosen based on their abilities and interest in the fashion industry. Ogbuku said the commission had invested public funds in providing the participants with advanced training and urged them to put the knowledge gained into practice. He encouraged them to establish their own businesses, become financially independent and create jobs for others.
The NDDC boss disclosed that the commission was also planning to introduce training programmes in artificial intelligence and other technology-related fields, noting that digital skills could help young people prepare for future opportunities and tackle unemployment. He urged the beneficiaries not to allow their backgrounds or locations to restrict their ambitions, encouraging them to build fashion businesses capable of competing beyond the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the programme as an investment in human development and regional economic growth. He said the training was intended to produce entrepreneurs who could contribute to employment and strengthen the fashion industry.
The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, urged the graduates to use their new skills to build sustainable businesses. Similarly, the Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Lyna Okara, encouraged them to develop unique fashion brands and expand their businesses beyond the region.
