Rivers State Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas(rtd), has said that investment in human capital is the bedrock of any development effort.
Vice-Admiral Ibas stated this when he declared open a 30-Day fully residential Vanguard Initiative on Behavioural Modification Programme for Rivers State Youths in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
According to the Administrator, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, real development is not measured only in roads and bridges but in human capital.
“As a government, we are not only building bridges, schools, and hospitals, we are also building human capital. We want our young people to become employers, innovators, and leaders. Development is not complete until our youths rise with it. Real development is not measured only in roads and bridges, but in human capital—in minds that are trained, in hearts that are disciplined, and in hands that are willing to work,” he stressed.
He maintained that the Vanguard Initiative was established to equip youths with knowledge and character.
“Behavioural modification is the key to unlocking positive change; helping our young men and women to reject violence, embrace peace, resist peer pressure, and commit themselves to productive ventures.
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“Today’s world is a global village. Opportunities now cross rivers and oceans. If our youths must compete, they need not only certificates but also character. Behavioral modification is the bridge that takes us from wasted potential to fulfilled destiny. This training will teach you how to resist peer pressure, avoid violence, stay away from drugs, and embrace useful skills”, he observed.
The administrator urged participants to take the training seriously and become employers of labour and change agents.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Ruhuoma Kejeh emphasized that the Behavioural Modification Training (BMT) is fundamental on the premise that before hands-on training is delivered, participants must first be re-oriented.
She indicated that the Ministry developed a new model of youth training tagged, Train to Engage (TTE), to ensure that every young person trained is also engaged, guided and given pathways to actualize what they have learned.
“The hard truth is that skills alone are not enough. Without a renewed mindset and positive behavioural change, skills cannot translate into sustainable livelihoods. This realization gave birth to the Behavioural Modification Training (BMT). At the core of BMT is the belief that before we train the hands, we must first re-orient and engage the mind.
“In the days that follow, the Ministry will engage Skills Masters as we unveil training in CNG conversion, various areas in ICT, vocational skills like shoe & bag making, digital pattern making in the fashion industry, agrobusinesses,” she stressed.
She also appreciated the Administrator and partners from the private sector.
