21 Niger Delta youths train in film production

The United States of America Consul-General, Jeffery Hawkins, on Monday said a two weeks film production training for some youths in Niger Delta would help to transform the lives of beneficiaries and their communities.
Hawkins made the remark at the presentation of certificates to 21 youths from Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta States at the end of a Nollywood film production course.
The programme entitled: “Dawn in the Creeks,” had been launched at the residence of the Consul-General in Ikoyi, Lagos, as an initiative of the Niger Delta Legacy Engagement, aimed at forging peace and transformation in the Niger Delta.
Hawkins urged the youths to see themselves as agents of change in their different communities.
He said: “We, from now on, want to see you all as change agents in your different Niger Delta communities.
“With this training in film production, we want you to tell the world that Niger Delta can be non-violent.
“Dawn in the creeks is about telling a film narrative of non-violent transformation in Niger Delta.”
The Coordinator of the project, Jeta Amata, said the youths were trained in script writing, editing, unit production management, directing, photography, social transformation and leadership.
Amata said: “These young filmmakers can now produce real-life dramas on conflict, oil, reconciliation and peace in the Niger Delta.”
Amata said there was plan to train more youths in other states of the region.
One of the beneficiaries, Dede Nwaudo, commended the organisers for giving them skills that would take their minds off violence and other social vices.
Nwaudo said: “We have been taught to fish and not to continue to receive fish from people.
“We are going to make the best use of what we have learnt in transforming our lives and those around us.”