Ex-APC guber candidate empowers 230,000 youths in Rivers 

Tonye Cole, former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State

Tonye Cole, former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has rolled out an empowerment programme, reaching out to 230,000 young people across the State.

The intervention implemented through the Collective Initiative targets youths in all 23 local government areas, according to a statement.

Cole said the programme was designed to reduce youth restiveness while expanding access to practical education and development opportunities.

The initiative, tagged COLE2LEARN, is aligned with the 2026 International Day of Education, which carries the global theme, the power of youth in co-creating education.

According to Cole, the programme repositions education as a tool for empowerment rather than passive instruction. It is structured to equip young people with skills, knowledge and civic confidence needed for healthier living, stronger livelihoods and safer communities.

He explained that participants were encouraged to apply, learning directly to real-life challenges, including public health, economic inclusion, climate resilience and community security.

The programme emphasises youth-led and co-created learning systems, placing young people at the centre of decision-making and problem-solving within their communities.

Cole said COLE2LEARN departs from conventional classroom models by focusing on outcome-driven learning linked to everyday civic participation, enterprise development, innovation and leadership pathways.

The learning framework covers civic and democratic engagement, health and wellbeing, financial and enterprise skills, digital and media literacy, environmental and climate awareness, peace and community safety, gender and disability inclusion, as well as culture-based education.

Delivery is carried out through community learning hubs, digital platforms, mobile media channels and peer-to-peer civic exchanges, enabling participants to learn through practice and direct community engagement.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC

Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications

She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet.

An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.

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