Senate President Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated a youth internship scheme initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta, declaring that the upcoming nationwide protests by some youths would not take place in the region.
According to a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Akpabio inaugurated the scheme during the Commission’s “Executive Management Engagement with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities and Selected Stakeholders” in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
While reiterating that the 10,000 youths would be engaged in the programme designed to improve their skills, Akpabio revealed that the beneficiaries in the first phase would be paid N50,000 monthly.
He averred that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the development of the Niger Delta region, recalling that the NDDC recently inaugurated five flagship projects covering roads, bridges, and electricity across the region following a presidential directive.
He commended the Commission for repairing damaged sections of the East-West Road and assured that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would not only commence from Lagos but would also start simultaneously from the Niger Delta.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State averred that despite the challenges of developing the region, the NDDC had executed several projects that had improved the lives of the people.
He further promised that henceforth, the Commission would receive its full share of statutory allocations.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, assured that the Commission would continue to focus on completing capital projects that would add value to the Niger Delta region.
He stated that “Our commitment is to work towards transforming the region in line with the 8-Point Presidential Priorities and in accordance with the demands of the NDDC Act of 2000.”
Ebie appreciated members of the National Assembly for expeditiously passing the 2024 budget of the Commission, which he believes would set the tone for the implementation of projects and programmes that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.
While speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, pointed out that the people of the Niger Delta had transitioned from militant agitation to intellectual struggle.
The NDDC boss insisted that the region was now reaping the benefits of this transition.
“We have provided more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through our Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), designed to identify the interests of the youths for skills training,” he said.
He asserted that Project HOPE had helped the Commission develop a comprehensive digital repository containing important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.
Ogbuku remarked that the NDDC was working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in training youths and young entrepreneurs in the region.
He further explained that the Commission would collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the region and ensure the sustainability of youth development programs.
He added: “We will also partner with the Bank of Industry to fund projects, support businesses, and facilitate the success of our empowerment programs. We will provide all necessary support for youth entrepreneurship schemes.”
Ogbuku advised Niger Deltans not to be deceived into any protests that could destabilize the nation, adding that such actions are bound to hinder development and further impoverish ordinary citizens.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in his remarks, emphasized that progress could only be achieved through unity and peace.
He lauded the Board and Management of the NDDC for working together to develop the oil-rich region.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, acknowledged the numerous achievements of the NDDC and appealed to Niger Delta youths to disregard those calling for protests.
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Ambassador Jonathan Lopkobiri, maintained that Niger Deltans had no business with those inciting youths to anarchy, observing that the demands of the protesters did not address the long-neglected East-West Road.
He praised the NDDC for providing a temporary reprieve for the users of the road, which he noted was still being threatened by flooding.
