Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move to diversify youth empowerment strategies and tap into Nigeria’s booming creative economy, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has inducted 100 Ogoni youths into a four-month professional training program in Creative Arts, with each participant to receive a monthly stipend of N150,000.
The training, which begins tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt, is aimed at creating a distinct Ogoni identity in Nollywood, tentatively dubbed “Ogoniwood”.
This latest investment is part of HYPREP’s wider Livelihood Programme under the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, the recommendation for Ogoni remediation, aimed not just at environmental restoration but also the economic revitalization of the region.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, represented by Director of Technical Services, Damian-Paul Aguiyi, said the initiative reflects HYPREP’s commitment to move beyond traditional skills acquisition to high-impact, industry-relevant training.
“We are evolving. One thing that is happening today is that the Project has gotten leadership right, by making promises and keeping those promises. With this Creative Arts training, we want to see the emergence of Ogoniwood – our own version of Nollywood.”
Prof Aguiyi also urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously, noting, “In the next three to five years, some of you will be known both nationwide and internationally. That is the power of what we’re starting today.”
The trainees, drawn from the four local government areas of Ogoniland, namely Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme, are expected to specialize in acting, scriptwriting, make-up, film editing, etc. They will be mentored by renowned Nollywood professionals including actors Charles Nnoje, Ngezu J. Ngezu, and award-winning make-up artist Jude Odo.
Head of HYPREP’s Sustainable Livelihood Programme, Mrs. Josephine Nzidee, described the initiative as a professional certification program that will launch the beneficiaries directly into Nigeria’s film industry.
“This program is not about starter packs; it’s about giving these youths the exposure, certification, and skills to compete professionally. The selection process was rigorous and transparent, involving top Nollywood practitioners to ensure only qualified candidates made the list.”
She added that the Creative Arts program is one of four specialized training tracks, alongside Aviation, Maritime, and Mechatronics, designed to empower Ogoni youths with competitive, high-value skills.
On the choice of the University of Port Harcourt as the training site, Nzidee said the institution’s Theatre Arts Department has a legacy of nurturing some of Nollywood’s most iconic names.
Dr Ovunda Ihunwo, Head of the Theatre Arts Department, affirmed this, saying: “This is the same CRAB Studio that trained Hilda Dokubo, Monalisa Chinda, Bobmanuel Udokwu, Julius Agwu, Sam Dede, and many others. You are standing on fertile ground. Come with an open mind and let us shape your talent.”
The department, he noted, was originally named CRAB – Creative Review of Arts and Books – by the legendary playwright Prof Ola Rotimi. He said theory classes will run for three weeks, followed by one week of masterclasses.
Also speaking, the External Relations Manager of Halibiz Consult Limited, Alabo Experience Douglas, said the firm is committed to delivering a world-class program.
“We place a premium on quality. Our mission is to give value to every kobo spent. We urge trainees to come with an empty mindset, ready to be filled with knowledge,” Douglas said.
