From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie, has formally launched the commission’s youth internship scheme for 10,000 young people of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the roll out ceremony in Port Harcourt, Ebie said the NDDC was dedicated to advancing the implementation of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and implementation of impactful youth programmes.
He said the youth internship scheme would prepare 10,000 people across the Niger Delta region with the training and experience needed for gainful employment as well as self-employment through entrepreneurship.
Ebie said the scheme would accommodate young people across different levels of education and experience, noting, however, that they should not be above 45 years.
Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement were key components for unlocking the potential of the youths in the Niger Delta region.
He said the objective was to get the youths to acquire meaningful and self-sustaining skills that would improve their lives, support their families and communities and thus ensure peace in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said the internship scheme and other youth programmes of the NDDC were carefully thought out and included in the commission’s 2024 budget, noting that it was not a reaction to the protests in other parts of the country. “The scheme will also develop metrics for its impact on the economy of the Niger Delta.
“Admission to the scheme will be highly competitive and driven by merit. Applicants will be required to include a personal statement in their application reflecting their commitment to meet the objectives of the programme and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region,” he said.
Ogbuku said the scheme would empower the benefitting youths in the areas of technology, music and arts, agriculture and marine, among others, adding that during the 12-month of the internship, each intern would receive a stipend of N50,000 per month.
He urged those who would benefit from the programme to show good example for future beneficiaries, stressing that the registration would be done exclusively online.
The NDDC boss said all the nine NDDC states would have 500 slots before the application of the oil production quota for the remaining slots.
“On July 30, we gathered in Port Harcourt to sensitise the youths on the reasons they should avoid the planned nation-wide protest. The stakeholders unanimously agreed to stay away from the protest, demonstrating that despite our diverse nature and challenges, we are united in the view that we need development and not protest.
“This should tell investors that the Niger Delta is peaceful and eager for development. We recognise things are difficult now in Nigeria and even in the global stage,” he said.
Giving details of the scheme, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, said placing youths on internship roles will allow them to enhance their technical skills and acquire practical experience to make them self-reliant.
“Each applicant will be encouraged to identify a specific place of internship while the scheme will match them to prospective businesses that will help them to enhance their skills.
“We mark a significant milestone in our ongoing quest for progress and prosperity in the Niger Delta region. The heartbeat of a nation lies in the vigour and vitality of its youths, yet in the Niger Delta, the beat has faltered under the weight of impoverishment borne out of a very difficult terrain and limited opportunities.
“The NDDC Youth Internship Scheme is not merely a financial intervention, it is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation.”
Antai urged all beneficiaries “to seize this opportunity ‘with both hands’ and use it to fuel their passion to learn, to groom, and to give back to our communities.
“To our partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers, I extend my heartfelt gratitude, your support and collaboration are vital to the success of this scheme. Together, we can turn the tide of unemployment and steer the Niger Delta towards a brighter future,” he said.