The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) revealed on Monday that it has registered 3.2 million youths in its Holistic Opportunities Programmes for Engagement (Project HOPE) since launching the initiative on July 4, 2023.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made the disclosure during the launching of the second phase of the programme.
The event took place at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku disclosed that Project HOPE, was mainly conceived to address the pressing challenges facing the youths, especially in the area of employment and the lack of opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The first phase entailed designing and deploying a digital platform for data collection, analysis and creating a parameter for the programme implementation, he added.
In his exact words: “The second phase is the implementation phase of eight meticulously designed programmes aimed at creating jobs and empowering our youth across various sectors such as agriculture and technology.
“The success of Project HOPE requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. I extend an open invitation to government entities, private sector players, international partners, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to join us in this noble venture.”
A statement signed Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs noted that Ogbuku advised Niger Delta youths to embrace the opportunities with zeal and determination, averring that they are the architects of their destiny and the catalysts for regional transformation.
“Over the years what has been happening is that because of political interests, people are given slots to nominate participants for empowerment programmes and most of these participants never had passion for these training programmes.
“After the training programmes, you see people selling off the starter-packs and other equipment that were given to them after the training.
“In this case, we believe that once we pick you from the data based on your area of interest and passion, you are going to excel from there. And since you are in our database, we will also have our monitoring process to track your performance,” he said.
Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director of Project, Sir Victor Antai, said that Project HOPE was more than just a project.
“It is a beacon of optimism and a catalyst for change, conceived under the insightful leadership of our Managing Director.
“This initiative aims to harness the potential of our youth and provide them with viable avenues for self-actualization and economic empowerment.
“The second phase we are launching today focuses on the implementation of eight strategic programmes, including Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (Mili-Tech).”
Antai said that apart from technology, the Project HOPE seeks to cover other key areas, such as music and arts, entrepreneurial development, marine and internship.
“Our emphasis on technology, particularly the “Mili-Tech” programme, represents a significant shift. By equipping our youth with modern technological skills, we are positioning them to compete globally and drive innovation within our region.
“In a rapidly digitalizing world, transitioning from militancy to technology is imperative. We are equipping our youth with skills in structured cabling, data analysis, animation, and software development, thereby opening doors to global opportunities,” he noted.
While insisting that the success of Project HOPE depends on collaboration, Antai urged government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and the youths to wholeheartedly embrace the initiative.
In his goodwill message, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Wali, commended the NDDC for partnering with the Rivers State Government.
He noted that the efforts of the Commission would guarantee the future of youths in the Niger Delta region.
The resource person for Project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, affirmed that the second phase of the programme would commence with eight quick impact action specimens.
The time had come for a serious development model to kick-off in the Niger Delta region, Fubara said.
