~ Empower graduands of its training program:

A reputable international agency HP-MAP renowned for its passion and drive for human capacity building and strategic economic development has stepped boldly into Opobo/Nkoro LGA, empowering scores of citizens with life changing skills and grants to advance humanity with the double graduation ceremony of batch A & B beneficiaries.

The HP-MAP 2025 Economic Summit tagged \"Invest in Opobo,\" which held in Opobo on Saturday, is unique not only in design but is the first empowerment program of HP-MAP in Rivers State.

Declaring the Economic Summit open, Chairman of the occasion, Senibo Atonyesia Peterside harped on the potential of Opobo/Nkoro as a choice investment destination owing to the peaceful and hospitable nature of the people. He commended HP-MAP for the laudable initiative while also calling on other organisations to invest in Opobo/Nkoro LGA. He used the medium to appreciate the governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for guiding the state peaceful on the path of prosperity.

On his part, Dr Sofiri Peterside Jr. charged the graduands to use the empowerment as a stepping stone and stimulate the economy of Opobo/Nkoro and position themselves as effective leaders.

He encouraged the conversion of free monies doled out to political followers be directly tied to skill acquisition, which can help in changing the narrative. He encouraged that politics should be seen as part-time engagement, while skills and careers be prioritised.

Speaking also, Amb. Dr. Okesile Chukwu took the graduands on a tour of capacity building, hinting at the departure from give me a fish mentality to teach me how to catch the fish mentality, which was the vision of HP-MAP. He also encouraged the deployment of mentorship and efficient feedback mechanisms to further harness the process.

Amaopuorubo Sotonye Toby Fulton, Convener of Rivers Women Unite for Sim was ably represented by Pastor Nancy Chidi-Nwankwo. Speaking on behalf of the group, Pastor Nancy encouraged HP MAP Code 9 graduates to use their newly acquired skills to build their careers and empower others. She emphasized that their success should contribute to the local economy, job creation, and a shared future rooted in the Rivers First vision.

Awards were presented to deserving sons and daughters of Opobo/Nkoro who have excelled in various fields of entrepreneurship, contributing meaningfully to the development of their local communities.

In his remarks, Hon. Justice Dappa expressed gratitude to the dignitaries in attendance and encouraged the graduands to make the most of the opportunity and skills they have acquired, using them to improve their lives and contribute to the growth of Opobo/Nkoro communities.

The event was a huge success, marked by enthusiasm and anticipation, as the registration process for a new batch of intakes officially commenced.