The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has officially launched the Commission’s Youth Internship Scheme aimed at providing opportunities for 10,000 young people in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the roll-out ceremony in Port Harcourt, Ebie emphasized the NDDC’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through impactful youth programs. He assured attendees that the Youth Internship Scheme would equip 10,000 young individuals across the Niger Delta with the training and experience necessary for gainful employment and self-employment through entrepreneurship.
Ebie highlighted that the scheme would be inclusive of young people from various educational and experiential backgrounds, provided they are not over 45 years old.
The NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, also spoke at the event, affirming that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement are crucial for unlocking the potential of the region’s youth. He explained that the scheme aims to help youths acquire meaningful, self-sustaining skills to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute to community peace in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku clarified that the Internship Scheme and other youth programs were thoughtfully included in the Commission’s 2024 budget and were not a reaction to the ongoing protests in other parts of the country. He emphasized that the scheme would develop metrics to measure its impact on the Niger Delta’s economy and that admission would be competitive, based on merit. Applicants must include a personal statement in their application, demonstrating their commitment to the program’s objectives and regional socio-economic development.
The scheme will empower participants in technology, music and arts, agriculture, and marine sectors. During the 12-month internship, each intern will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000. Ogbuku urged beneficiaries to set a positive example for future participants, noting that registration would be conducted exclusively online.
He also mentioned that each of the nine NDDC states would initially receive 500 slots, with additional slots allocated based on oil production quotas. Ogbuku recalled a recent gathering in Port Harcourt where regional stakeholders agreed to avoid the nation-wide protests, underscoring the region’s desire for development over unrest.
Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director of Projects, provided further details on the Internship Scheme. He explained that placing youths in internship roles would enhance their technical skills and practical experience, making them more self-reliant. He encouraged applicants to identify specific internship locations while the scheme matches them with businesses that can enhance their skills.
Antai emphasized the symbolic importance of the Youth Internship Scheme, calling it a significant milestone in the region’s quest for progress and prosperity. He urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and use it to fuel their passion for learning and community contribution.
Antai extended gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers, highlighting their vital role in the scheme’s success. He concluded with a call to action, envisioning a brighter future for the Niger Delta through collective effort and commitment.
