The Federal Government has unveiled a new initiative to provide N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta.
This announcement comes as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku urge the region’s residents to abstain from participating in the upcoming nationwide protest against economic hardship.
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The Youth Internship Scheme, recently launched by Akpabio and implemented by the NDDC, aims to engage local youth and enhance their skills. Participants in the first phase of the scheme will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000.
During an NDDC Executive Management engagement in Port Harcourt, Akpabio declared the Niger Delta a “protest-free zone,” emphasizing that the planned nationwide protests should not extend to the region’s nine states.
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Akpabio highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta’s development, noting that the NDDC has recently inaugurated five major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and electrical works.
Despite ongoing issues, Akpabio assured that the NDDC has successfully executed projects benefiting local communities and will receive its full statutory allocations in the future.
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NDDC Governing Board Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie praised the National Assembly for quickly passing the 2024 budget, which will support the Commission’s development projects.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, highlighted the shift from militant activism to intellectual and economic development in the region.
He showcased Project HOPE, a digital database of Niger Delta youths’ qualifications and skills, and announced collaborations with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Bank of Industry to support youth training and Small and Medium Enterprises.
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Ogbuku called on Niger Deltans to avoid protests that could disrupt national stability and hinder development efforts, which ultimately affect ordinary citizens.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu underscored the importance of unity and peace for progress, commending the NDDC’s regional development efforts.
PANDEF National Chairman Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien also endorsed the NDDC’s achievements and urged youths to disregard protest calls.
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Ijaw Youth Council President Jonathan Lopkobiri criticized the protest organizers, stating that their demands do not address long-standing issues such as the East-West Road.
He praised the NDDC’s efforts to improve road conditions despite ongoing challenges.
