The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths under its Youth Internship Scheme.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, confirmed the development, stating, “Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced.”
She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo hands-on training in various organizations for 12 months to develop essential skills, adding that the commission had completed the selection process and was already placing trainees.
Thompson-Wakama revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million applicants who registered for the empowerment programme. “This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves,” she said.
She assured that the NDDC remained committed to ensuring that the opportunity reached the most deserving candidates, stating, “NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future.”
The scheme, according to her, has also enabled the commission to collect critical data on the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of young people in the region. “This data will help us design programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by youths in the Niger Delta,” she explained.
Additionally, she disclosed that the NDDC had partnered with global audit and consultancy firm KPMG to strengthen its corporate governance framework. “KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focused policy,” she added.
Thompson-Wakama commended the patience and cooperation of the youths throughout the selection process, reaffirming NDDC’s commitment to empowering young people in the region.
During the scheme’s inauguration on July 31, 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had announced the Federal Government’s approval of the N50,000 stipend for the trainees.
NAN
