Nigeria’s Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, on August 5, 2024, formally inaugurated the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Youth Internship Scheme in Port Harcourt. The initiative is designed to provide employment and skills development opportunities for 10,000 youths across the nine states of the Niger Delta region. Each selected beneficiary will receive a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 for one year, allowing them to gain experience aligned with their skills.
The application portal for the program opened on the same day and remained accessible until August 31. Following the conclusion of the application process, over 3 million prospective interns applied for the scheme. This was disclosed by the NDDC Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during a press conference held on September 17, 2024, to outline the commission’s recent accomplishments, including Project HOPE and the foreign postgraduate scholarship program.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogbuku reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to the success of the Youth Internship Programme. He emphasized the commission’s dedication to youth development and empowerment, calling the initiative a critical step toward addressing unemployment in the region. “The overwhelming response we’ve received shows that the Niger Delta youth are eager to take control of their future through skill development and economic opportunities,” Ogbuku said.
NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, also expressed his satisfaction with the progress made. He commended the efforts of the commission’s directors, who have worked tirelessly to align the project with the aspirations of the region’s youth. “We are proud to be part of this journey towards empowering our youth. The dedication and commitment shown by all parties involved reflect the significance of this scheme to the future of the Niger Delta,” he stated.
During the same press conference, Antai announced the formal handover of the database platform for the Youth Internship Scheme, developed by South Bridge Enterprises Systems Ltd., to the NDDC. He noted that this platform would streamline the selection process, ensuring a transparent and efficient system for managing applicants.
In addition to the handover, Angala Fintech, a leading consulting firm, has been tasked with overseeing the selection of beneficiaries. According to Sir Victor Antai, Angala Fintech will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the best candidates are chosen for the program, based on their qualifications and alignment with the initiative’s goals. “The inclusion of Angala Fintech guarantees that the selection process will be fair and transparent, ensuring that the right individuals are selected to benefit from this transformative opportunity,” Antai explained.
The NDDC also took the opportunity to commend South Bridge Enterprises Systems Ltd. for their outstanding work in developing the platform. Antai noted that their efforts have been instrumental in building the foundation for the scheme’s success. “The creation of this database is key to managing the vast number of applicants. South Bridge Enterprises has done an exemplary job, and we look forward to collaborating with Angala Fintech to ensure the program’s smooth implementation,” he added.
Reacting to the launch, a community leader from Delta State, Chief Emeka Okafor, praised the NDDC’s initiative, stating that it would have a significant impact on the region’s youth. “This is a game-changer for the Niger Delta. The NDDC has shown genuine commitment to empowering our young people, and I believe this program will help reduce youth restiveness in our communities,” Okafor said.
One of the applicants, Amaka Ekene, a graduate from Rivers State, expressed excitement about the opportunity. “This internship scheme is a lifeline for many of us struggling to find work after graduation. With this program, I am hopeful that I can gain valuable experience and build a career,” she said, adding that the stipend would also provide financial relief for her family.
Similarly, a development expert, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma, commended the NDDC for its focus on youth empowerment. “The sheer scale of this program and the financial commitment of the NDDC show that they are serious about creating opportunities for the youth in the region. This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to drive long-term development in the Niger Delta,” Dr. Chukwuma stated.
In his closing remarks, Antai reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to youth empowerment in the Niger Delta, stating that the commission would continue to explore ways to create sustainable employment opportunities for the region’s youth. “Together, NDDC is committed to empowering the youth of the Niger Delta and fostering their development through this internship program,” he concluded.
The Youth Internship Scheme is one of several initiatives by the NDDC aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by youths in the Niger Delta. By providing opportunities for skills development and employment, the commission hopes to reduce unemployment and encourage economic growth in the region.
