The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken significant steps to provide the youth with 10,000 job opportunities and other programs, demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing local grievances and averting a planned nationwide protest. This initiative has now extended to the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Commission’s managing director, announced these opportunities during a youth event held near the NDDC headquarters on the Eastern Bypass. The event was highly attended, causing traffic congestion and filling the large venue to capacity.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, head of the NDDC, detailed the N1.9 trillion budget for 2024 to the youths in the oil region, highlighting the benefits it promises under the current administration. He announced a N30 billion business support fund, established in partnership with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Bank of Industry (BoI), aimed at supporting young enterprises.
He also mentioned a N1 trillion loan from the presidency earmarked for launching legacy projects to revive previously shelved operations. These projects are expected to create business opportunities and jobs for the youth. Additionally, he assured ongoing consultations with women leaders, emphasizing that substantial provisions are included for the women in the region.
The Managing Director dropped a major announcement, revealing that 10,000 internship positions will be available for youths, each earning N50,000 per month. These opportunities will be spread across the region’s local council areas, and selection will be based on merit, not political affiliation. Youths are encouraged to register immediately to be eligible.
Ogbuku expressed that since the youths have confidence in him, they should also extend their trust to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency. He urged the Niger Delta people to take control of their government, highlighting that those who should be leading are instead uniting to protest and overthrow their own administration.
“We will take over the benefits in the next three years if we own it and protect it,” stated Ogbuku.
The president immediately ordered repairs, and an emergency fund was established to raise money for long-term construction. “Today, the areas the governor of Bayelsa State bemoaned about have been fixed and the road is faster right now. This shows that Mr. President has the Niger Delta at heart,” the president said. “The Senate president and the minister of Niger Delta Affairs have continued to call me and press for daily action.
Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu took the floor to speak, stating that strong relationships had been observed among the board, management, and even the local populace of the current NDDC.
The Federal House of Representatives’ deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, took the floor to speak about the strong bonds they had observed among the current NDDC’s management, board, and even the local populace.“This gives us joy. This has never been so before.
“Those like me that did not meet up with the summit are still regretting. I did everything to meet up but it was not to be.
“We have observed the fantastic resolution that you folks came to. In the next four years, the area would be fantastic if all of that is put into practice.
“The oil region is near this government.” We control the process of making laws. This area is home to the Senate President, while the Niger Delta is home to the Deputy Speaker. Let’s reflect,” Kalu remarked.
The youth meeting was obviously called to persuade the people of the region to abandon the statewide protest, and the majority of the region’s leaders were present.
But it’s unclear if the young people in attendance would persuade the people who weren’t to avoid the protest.
