The Project Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Babington International Limited, Prince Morgan Gbobo Bob-Manuel, has led the official flag-off of the Nigerian Youth Employment and Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) Empowerment Initiative Training Programme at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event, which took place at the ACE-PUTOR Complex, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the TVET–IDEAS Initiative, as part of ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youths with market-relevant technical and vocational skills for self-reliance and national development.
The ceremony brought together dignitaries from the academic and professional spheres, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, and the South-South Regional Coordinator of the TVET–IDEAS Training Programme, Mr. Domshak Eldad, alongside youth leaders, industry experts, and government representatives.
In his keynote address, Prince Morgan Gbobo Bob-Manuel commended the Federal Government for its commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational training. He emphasized that building capacity among young Nigerians remains a key strategy for reducing unemployment and fostering innovation.
This initiative goes beyond classroom learning. It is about building entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals who can transform Nigeria’s economy from the grassroots,” he stated.
Prince Bob-Manuel urged trainees to approach the programme with dedication, noting that the skills and discipline they acquire would not only shape their personal success but also contribute to national development.
In his goodwill message, Professor Georgewill lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the nation’s growing demand for skilled manpower. He assured the organisers of the university’s full support in ensuring that the South-South training hub achieves its objectives.
“Technical and vocational education is the bedrock of every nation’s development. By providing this platform, we are nurturing a generation of skilled Nigerians ready to compete globally,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Domshak Eldad, the Regional Coordinator, highlighted that the training covers high-demand sectors such as ICT, renewable energy, agriculture, fashion design, and small business management — with certification that meets national and international standards.
The ceremony featured cultural performances, exhibition displays, and an inspection of training facilities by dignitaries. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant.
One of the participants, Grace Opara, shared her excitement: “This programme has opened my eyes to possibilities I never thought of. I can now see myself starting a business and creating jobs for others.”
The NYESAF Empowerment Initiative is designed to train and empower thousands of Nigerian youths annually, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, with support from Babington International Limited and regional coordinators across the six geopolitical zones.
As the programme officially takes off in Port Harcourt, Prince Morgan Gbobo Bob-Manuel reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that every participant receives quality training, mentorship, and follow-up support to help them establish viable enterprises. Our goal is simple — to move young Nigerians from job seekers to job creators,” he concluded.
