The Rivers State Government has launched a 30-day fully residential Vanguard Initiative on Behavioural Modification for youths, reaffirming its focus on human capital development as a cornerstone of the state’s growth agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the State Administrator, Vice-Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, stressed that meaningful progress must go beyond physical infrastructure.
“As a government, we are not only building bridges, schools, and hospitals; we are also building human capital. Real development is measured in minds that are trained, hearts that are disciplined, and hands that are willing to work,” Ibas stated.
The Administrator explained that the Vanguard Initiative was designed to instill resilience, discipline, and practical skills in young people, enabling them to embrace peace, shun violence, and position themselves as innovators and future employers of labour.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Ruhuoma Kejeh, noted that the Behavioural Modification Training (BMT) was founded on the principle that reorientation must precede technical empowerment.
She further revealed that the Ministry has adopted a new approach tagged Train to Engage (TTE) to ensure participants receive continuous guidance and mentorship even after the training.
“In the days ahead, the Ministry will engage Skills Masters to deliver trainings in CNG conversion, ICT, fashion design, vocational skills, and agribusiness,” Kejeh announced.
The Vanguard Initiative adds to Rivers State’s broader human development efforts, underscoring a shift towards youth reorientation, employability, and social stability.