IITH Hosts NDDC/OBYC Skills Acquisition Training, Rector Charges Youths on Self-Reliance

The International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (IITH), Yenagoa, on Monday 22nd June 2026, hosted the official opening ceremony of a skills acquisition training programme in Fashion Design and POP/Ceiling Design, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC).

The event, held at the Institute's auditorium under the theme "Empowering Youth for Self-Reliance," attracted over 100 participants from across Bayelsa State. The initiative is aimed at equipping young people with practical vocational skills that will promote entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and encourage sustainable economic empowerment.

Representing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku, Mrs. Gesiere Okoloba reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to youth development through strategic capacity-building programmes. She explained that the training was designed to provide participants with marketable, income-generating skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and economically productive. She also assured the Institute of the Commission's continued partnership in empowering youths across the Niger Delta.

In his welcome address, the Rector of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Prof. Apuega R. Arikawei, said the programme aligns with the Institute's mandate to develop skilled manpower and equip Bayelsa and Niger Delta youths with practical competencies for self-employment and national development.

Prof. Arikawei disclosed that while the Institute currently offers National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Tourism and Hospitality, plans are at an advanced stage to expand its academic offerings to include Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blue Economy, and other emerging digital technology programmes in response to evolving global workforce demands.

The Rector also cautioned participants against selling the start-up packs they would receive upon completing the training. "We are building employers of labour, not sellers of equipment," he said. "Use these tools to create wealth, establish businesses, and create employment opportunities for others in Bayelsa State."

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC), Comrade Mipuruaziba Joe Akaragha, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NDDC, particularly its Managing Director, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku, the Bayelsa State Director of the Commission, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, and the management of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality for making the programme a reality.

He noted that the initiative complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by empowering young Nigerians with practical skills and economic opportunities. He further appealed for additional empowerment programmes, educational scholarships, and infrastructure development projects to improve the welfare of Bayelsa youths.

The training programme will provide participants with hands-on instruction in Fashion Design and POP/Ceiling Design, equipping them with employable skills that will enable them to establish businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the NDDC, the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, and the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality to fostering youth empowerment through practical skills development and entrepreneurship.