In a significant move to boost regional development and diplomatically quell growing unrest, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a Youth Internship Scheme, which will provide 10,000 beneficiaries with a monthly stipend of N50,000. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an executive management engagement with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders and selected stakeholders organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission themed “Let Us Build Together”.
The scheme, according to the Senate President, is designed to improve the skills and employability of young people in the region and is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing the Niger Delta. “Beneficiaries will be engaged in various activities tailored to enhance their expertise and contributions to the region’s growth,” said the Senate President.
It bears mentioning that Akpabio commended the NDDC for its recent achievements, including the restoration of damaged sections of the east-west road and the inauguration of five flagship projects covering roads, bridges, and electricity across the region. He assured that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project would commence simultaneously from Lagos and the Niger Delta, bringing relief to the region’s infrastructure challenges.
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Notably, the growing sentiment amongst the selected stakeholders and Niger Delta ethnic representatives is that despite the complexities of developing the Niger Delta, the NDDC has executed several projects that have positively impacted the lives of the people. “The Youth Internship Scheme is a welcome addition to these efforts, empowering young people to become active participants in the region’s development,” said someone familiar with the matter.
Lastly, the senate president stated that the nationwide protests by some youths would not take place in the nine states of the South South region, describing the Niger Delta as a protest-free zone.
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