The Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth Development is strengthening capacity building through the Bayelsa Creative Mentorship Initiative (BCMI), a three-week programme designed to nurture creativity and innovation among secondary school students. Participants are being trained in poetry, public speaking, creative writing, music, visual art, and bead making, skills carefully chosen to unlock innovation and self-expression.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, during his visit to the ongoing training at the Bayelsa Medical University, described creativity as a powerful tool for transformation. He encouraged the students to embrace these creative platforms as meaningful avenues of expression, reminding them that “while opportunities may sometimes be limited, ideas can travel far and wide.” He urged them to take their craft seriously, describing them as “stars with the potential to shine beyond borders.”

The Honourable Commissioner also commended Mr. Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan, a serving youth corps member, for conceiving and executing the initiative, describing it as an exemplary effort in building the capacity of young people.

Earlier, Mr. Daniel explained that the initiative was conceived to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and channel their creative energy into tangible realities. He reminded participants that “dreams can become reality when pursued with purpose and discipline,” noting that the skills acquired through the programme would enable them to make a lasting impact within and beyond the state.

Participants were drawn from Government Science and Technical College, Okaka, and St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Yenagoa.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-driven initiatives that build skills, foster innovation, and create opportunities for young people to thrive.