Rivers state administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has said his administration is investing heavily in building human capital, in addition to infrastructural development.
Vice-Admiral Ibas affirmed this when he declared open a 30-day fully residential Vanguard Initiative on Behaviourial Modification Programme for Rivers State Youth in Port Harcourt, Thursday.
The administrator, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, said 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 youth 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 stated.
He added that the Vanguard Initiative was established to equip youth 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.
“Today’s world is a global village. Opportunities now cross rivers and oceans. If our youth must compete, they need not only certificates but also character. Behavioural 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 stated.
The administrator urged participants to take the training seriously and become employers of labour and change makers.