Rivers State Government Partners with Del-York Group to open State-of-the-Art Vocational and Creative Institute

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the Del-York Group to establish the Rivers State Del-York Vocational & Creative Institute. This partnership, facilitated through the Rivers State Ministry of Education and championed by the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, marks a monumental step towards empowering the people of Rivers State with globally relevant skills.

The Rivers State Del-York Vocational & Creative Institute will be a hub for vocational, digital, and creative training, equipping thousands of participants with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. This world-class facility, to be located at the Port Harcourt Technical Vocational Center in Old GRA, will offer a wide range of certification programs spanning six weeks to twelve months in creative and technical fields (metalworking, building, and construction, electrical, post-production, cinematography, acting, etc.). This initiative will directly benefit a minimum of 8,500 participants over five years, with a planned enrollment of 1,000 people in the first year and 2,000 people annually thereafter.

A Transformative Vision for Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating, “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for our people to excel. The Rivers State Del-York Vocational & Creative Institute will be a beacon of hope and progress for our youth, fostering entrepreneurship, boosting employability, and driving sustainable development across our state.”

Honorable Commissioner Dr. Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma echoed this sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with the State’s strategic vision for education and economic empowerment. “This collaboration with Del-York Group ensures that Rivers indigenes receive training that meets the highest international standards, positioning them to compete and excel globally,” he said.

Ikenna Oguike, COO of the  Del-York Group, commented on the partnership: “This agreement with the Rivers State Government represents a renewed step toward empowering participants through world-class creative and vocational education. By equipping 8,500 women and men with industry-relevant skills over the next 5 years, we will drive job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth supported by the financial institutions. Together, we are building a legacy that positions Rivers State as a leader in innovation and opportunity for generations.”

Benefits for Rivers State

The Rivers State Del-York Vocational & Creative Institute will:

• Create high-quality jobs by connecting all skilled and certified graduates of the Institute with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Boost entrepreneurship and support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Foster gender parity by empowering women with highly-in-demand skills.
• Strengthen Rivers State’s position as a hub for creative and digital industries, attracting local and international investments.

Del-York Group: Shaping Africa’s Future, Impacting the World

Del-York Group is a Nigerian conglomerate pioneering transformative developments in Africa’s Creative, Hospitality, Tourism, Media, Strategic Communications, Technology, EdTech, and Infrastructure sectors. The group’s innovative approach to development has positioned it as a key driver of Africa’s creative economy and technological advancement.

Del-York Group has consistently delivered exceptional projects that advance creative and vocational industries through its subsidiaries. These include:

• Del-York Development Company (DDC): Renowned for transformative projects like the Lagos Film City & Del-York University (Kebulania) and the Enugu Sports and Entertainment City, designed to foster regional economic growth. DDC also offers strategic advisory services in tourism and hospitality, aligning expertise with development needs.
• Del-York Creative Academy (DCA):  A leader in vocational and creative training in partnerships with Mastercard Foundation, Google, Lagos State, etc., for programs such as the Youth in Animation and Post Production Initiative (YAPPI), digital & content training initiatives, and Creative Lagos to mention a few.
• Del-York Communications: Known for impactful media campaigns for global brands such as CNN Africa and Ford Foundation, Del-York Communications is at the forefront of storytelling and brand elevation.