In a region where youth restiveness, unemployment, and insecurity have continued to disrupt lives and stall development, one man’s vision is bringing renewed hope and direction.
Chinedu Ogwus, founder and president of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation, is leading a bold mission to transform the fortunes of young people in the Ekpeye Kingdom of Rivers State.
His organisation, established in 2024, is already making waves with its all-encompassing approach to empowerment, skill building, and community development.
Ogwus says his passion to give youths in the region a new lease on life is both personal and urgent.
For him, creating a platform that engages, educates, and equips young people is the first and most essential step to achieving lasting peace.
“We can’t ignore the growing flux of apathy and hopelessness among our youth.
“This is why I decided to take action—to build a system that will prepare young people to participate in society meaningfully, rather than turning to crime, cultism, or destructive behaviours,” he explains.
At the core of the organisation’s mission is a belief that true empowerment begins with access to education, to skills, to mentorship, and to opportunities.
Read also: Pa Oluwole Senbanjo to be laid to rest May 1st
The group supports educational advancement through scholarship programmes and academic mentoring, helping talented but underprivileged students continue their education.
In addition, it organises workshops across various subjects to expand knowledge and ignite curiosity among the youth.
Skill development is a major focus. From vocational training in trades to technical courses in areas like IT, fashion, and construction, the organisation provides practical tools to make young people employable and self-reliant.
These efforts are closely tied to the organisation’s support for entrepreneurship, where youth with business ideas receive training, resources, and mentorship to bring their visions to life.
Recognising that employment is key to reducing restiveness, the organisation collaborates with local companies to offer job placements and internships, giving youths a foot in the door to real-world experience. Career counselling sessions also help them make informed decisions about their future paths.
But Ogwu’s vision goes beyond jobs. The organisation is deeply invested in developing character and leadership among young people.
Through peer mentorship, leadership training, and the creation of youth councils, it builds a culture of responsibility, civic engagement, and initiative. It promotes volunteerism and community service, helping youths take pride in their environment and their people.
Health and well-being are not left out. The organisation runs health education programmes, offers mental health support, and conducts workshops on stress management.
Physical health is also promoted through annual sports events, which include football tournaments, athletics, and gaming competitions.
These activities teach teamwork and discipline while also opening pathways for talented youths to pursue sports careers locally and internationally.
Cultural preservation is another unique aspect of the organisation’s work. Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation believes that connecting youth with their heritage strengthens their identity.
Traditional music, art, and cultural festivals are organised to celebrate and pass on the rich traditions of the Ekpeye people.
All of this is done with a spirit of collaboration. The organisation works hand in hand with the Rivers State Government, local councils, community leaders, private companies, and traditional rulers.
These partnerships are key to its success, ensuring that programmes are well-supported and tailored to the needs of the people.
Guided by values such as integrity, respect, empowerment, sustainability, and innovation, the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation is laying the foundation for a more secure, prosperous future. It is not just addressing the symptoms of social instability—it is confronting the root causes.
Chinedu Ogwus invites stakeholders, donors, and volunteers to join in this effort to rebuild the region.
“We cannot afford to lose another generation to violence or neglect. Now is the time to invest in our youth. If we empower them, they will become the leaders and peacemakers we need,” he said.
In a time when the challenges seem overwhelming, the work of this young organisation offers a clear and hopeful path forward.
The Ekpeye Kingdom may still face many obstacles, but thanks to initiatives like this, its future is already beginning to change for the better.
