BREAKING NEWS: Youth Development Initiative Takes Bold Step Toward Community Safety in Finima

Finima, Bonny Island — May 30, 2025

In a bold and inspiring move to enhance public safety and empower the next generation of community leaders, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has partnered with EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited to successfully implement a Red Cross-certified training programme aimed at bolstering emergency response capacity and disaster preparedness among youths in Finima, Bonny Island.

The two-day intensive training, held from May 29 and 30, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a proactive, safety-conscious culture in the Niger Delta. With growing concerns over health emergencies, accidents, and disaster management in oil-producing regions, the initiative serves as a timely intervention that prepares young people to act swiftly and competently in times of crisis.

A Collaborative Effort with Purpose

The training programme was made possible through the proactive coordination of the Directorate of Social Welfare and Youth Development of the FYC, under the leadership of Comrade Abraham Brown. The programme brought together over 60 young men and women from Finima and its environs, equipping them with practical skills in first aid, CPR, emergency evacuation procedures, basic firefighting, and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training modules delivered by certified instructors affiliated with EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited—two reputable organisations with extensive experience in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) training.

Speaking on the success of the programme, Comrade Darlington Tobin, Chairman of the Finima Youth Congress, praised the professionalism and commitment shown by the partnering organisations. “We are truly grateful to the teams from EBBY-TEK and Future Concern for bringing this life-saving knowledge to our doorstep,” he said during the closing ceremony held at the Finima Town Hall.

“This initiative has given our youths not only the skills but also the confidence to take action in emergencies. It’s a game-changer for our community.”

Redefining Youth Engagement Through Safety Education

The Finima Youth Congress, known for its progressive advocacy for youth empowerment and community development, sees this initiative as part of a larger roadmap to position Finima as a model for grassroots transformation.

In his address, Comrade Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development, emphasised the importance of practical knowledge in today’s world.

“This is more than just training; it’s about changing mindsets and creating first responders in our neighbourhoods,” said Comrade Brown. “We want our youths to understand the value of life, the power of preparedness, and the impact of stepping up when it matters most.”

He continued, “We are proud to partner with organisations that share our vision for a safer and healthier community. Our collaboration with EBBY-TEK and Future Concern Nigeria Limited sends a clear message: We are committed to building a new generation of responsible, informed, and empowered young people.”

The programme also featured simulation drills, role-playing scenarios, and interactive workshops that covered everything from bleeding control to how to respond during floods, fires, and other local hazards.

Testimonies of Impact

For many participants, the training provided their first formal exposure to emergency management techniques. Blessing Hart, a 24-year-old student who participated in the training, described it as “eye-opening and empowering”.

“I now feel confident that I can help someone during an emergency,” she said. “The instructors were patient and knowledgeable. I believe this kind of training should be extended to every youth in Bonny.”

Another participant, Ifeanyi George, a commercial tricycle operator, recounted how he once witnessed an accident but didn’t know how to help. “Now, I know how to check for breathing, perform CPR, and stop bleeding. I feel like a real community protector now.”

Strategic Development Goals in Action

The Finima Youth Congress’s initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By empowering young people with practical life-saving skills, the Congress is directly contributing to a more resilient, informed, and health-conscious society.

Both EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited commended the initiative and pledged ongoing support for community-focused programmes. In separate remarks, their representatives reaffirmed their dedication to extending health and safety education to underserved communities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Finima?

With the successful completion of this training, the Finima Youth Congress has announced plans to institutionalise periodic safety programmes and expand the initiative to other parts of Bonny Kingdom. Discussions are already underway to incorporate advanced training modules, including mental health first aid, environmental hazard response, and child safety awareness.

The Congress is also advocating for policy support from local government and corporate partners to ensure the sustainability of such life-impacting initiatives.

“We’re not stopping here,” said Comrade Brown. “We envision a future where every young person in Finima is not only educated but also equipped to be a community lifeguard, ready to act, ready to save, and ready to lead.”

The initiative has been widely lauded by stakeholders across Bonny Kingdom, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations, who have praised it as a step in the right direction.

Signed Statement

In an official communique released shortly after the training, the FYC reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to community development:

“The Finima Youth Congress remains dedicated to promoting community development initiatives that foster a culture of safety, wellness, and empowerment.”

Signed:

Comrade Abraham Brown
Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development
Finima Youth Congress

As Finima continues to chart a path toward sustainable growth and inclusive development, this landmark initiative sets a powerful precedent—one where community safety begins with the youth and where development is measured not only in infrastructure but in lives protected and futures secured.

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Reported by:
The Finima Media Bureau
Bonny Island, Rivers State