NDDC Equips 30 Youths With Advanced Skills in Fashion Business to Drive Entrepreneurship

The Niger Delta Development Commission has empowered 30 young entrepreneurs with advanced training in fashion and garment design as part of its drive to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the Niger Delta.

The beneficiaries graduated at a ceremony held in Port Harcourt after undergoing an intensive advanced programme. They were selected from 100 youths who participated in the Commission’s initial fashion design training in 2025, based on competence, commitment and passion for the industry.

Speaking at the graduation, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the intervention was aimed at giving young people the platform and practical skills needed to compete and succeed in the fashion industry.

According to him, the Commission invested public funds to equip the youths with relevant skills and expects them to use the opportunity productively to become self-reliant.

He urged the graduates to build on what they have learnt, keep improving their craft and draw inspiration from their training consultant, Mr Greg Daniel, whom he described as a passionate fashion entrepreneur.

Ogbuku also advised the beneficiaries to seek mentorship and professional guidance as they build their careers, and to think beyond their immediate environment.

He said, do not 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.

The NDDC boss disclosed that the Commission is planning to expand its youth development programmes to include training in artificial intelligence and other technology-related skills, which he described as critical tools for addressing unemployment and preparing young people for the future of work.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the programme as a direct investment in human potential, economic self-reliance and regional prosperity.

He explained that the initiative was designed not just to train youths but to nurture entrepreneurs who will become employers of labour, create jobs and strengthen the fashion industry value chain in the Niger Delta.

Antai charged the beneficiaries to uphold discipline, creativity, professionalism and integrity, while prioritizing customer satisfaction and sound financial management to build brands customers can trust.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, said the programme was structured to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to become productive and economically independent.

He encouraged the graduates to maximise the opportunities provided by the Commission and apply the knowledge acquired to build sustainable businesses that will outlive the training.

The Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, urged the beneficiaries to develop distinctive fashion brands capable of competing beyond the Niger Delta region and making impact in the national fashion market.

The training consultant, Mr Greg Daniel, commended the NDDC for its commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment, noting that the participants were trained in advanced garment production techniques and entrepreneurial development to prepare them for the business side of fashion.

The empowerment programme is part of the NDDC’s broader human capital development strategy aimed at creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta region.