The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a comprehensive internship program to empower 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region. As part of the initiative, each participant will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 for a year, with the aim of equipping them with essential skills in entrepreneurship and various technical fields.
The NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, inaugurated in Port Harcourt, targets young individuals aged 45 and below, offering training in areas such as technology, arts, agriculture, and maritime industries. The program is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to support youth development in the region.
NDDC Chairperson Chiedu Ebie emphasized that the scheme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on preparing youths for meaningful employment and self-employment. He noted that the program is competitive and merit-based, with applicants required to demonstrate their commitment to the socio-economic growth of the Niger Delta.
Participants will have the opportunity to select internship locations where they can gain practical experience, with the NDDC facilitating connections between them and businesses seeking interns. A monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to ensure transparency and measure the program’s success.
NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku assured that the initiative is a well-planned component of the commission’s N1.9 trillion annual budget, designed to foster long-term development in the Niger Delta. He urged the selected youths to fully engage with the program and use the skills they acquire to uplift their communities.
The program will be conducted online, with 500 slots allocated to each of the nine NDDC states, while additional slots will be distributed based on the region’s oil production quotas. The NDDC aims to nurture the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through this significant investment in the region’s future.
Be First to Comment