The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development through advanced training in fashion and garment design to promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities that can foster economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 30 youths who benefitted from the empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku said the Commission selected the beneficiaries from the 100 youths who participated in its fashion design training programme in 2025, based on their competence and passion for the industry.
Ogbuku explained that the Commission had given the beneficiaries the platform and advanced skills they needed to succeed in the fashion industry, urging them to build on their acquired knowledge and keep improving their craft.
The NDDC Managing Director emphasised that the Commission had invested public funds in equipping the beneficiaries with relevant skills, urging them to use the training productively and avoid wasting the opportunities provided.
He challenged the beneficiaries to become self-reliant entrepreneurs, stressing that they were expected to establish their own businesses, create employment and transfer their knowledge and skills to others. Ogbuku encouraged them to draw inspiration from their training consultant, Mr Greg Daniel, whom he described as a passionate fashion entrepreneur, and urged them to seek his mentorship, guidance, and professional advice as they build their careers.
He also said the Commission plans to train youths in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-related skills, describing technology as a critical avenue for addressing unemployment and preparing young people for the future.
The NDDC boss urged the beneficiaries to think beyond their immediate environment, believe in their potential and position themselves to compete favourably with others in the fashion industry.
“Don’t be limited by your mind or where you come from. The people you see making progress today started somewhere. The dreams they nurtured have brought them this far. Do not be limited by your environment; believe that you can own a house through your fashion business,” he charged.
In his address, the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the programme as an investment in human potential, economic self-reliance and regional prosperity.
He noted that the initiative was designed to nurture entrepreneurs and create employers in the Niger Delta, adding that the advanced training would generate employment and strengthen the region’s fashion industry.
Antai urged the beneficiaries to embrace discipline, creativity, professionalism and integrity in their businesses. He also encouraged them to prioritise commitment, customer satisfaction, and sound financial management while building reputable brands customers can trust.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to become productive and economically independent.
He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities the Commission provides and apply the knowledge they acquire to build sustainable businesses.
In her remarks, the Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, encouraged the beneficiaries to develop distinctive fashion brands that could compete favourably in the industry, urging them to expand beyond the Niger Delta region.
The training consultant, Mr Greg Daniel, commended the NDDC for its commitment to sustainable development, noting that the participants had received training in advanced garment production and entrepreneurial development.
