Addressing recent claims, the Niger Delta Development Commission management stated that the offer of 10,000 jobs for youths in the Niger Delta was not a strategy to dissuade participation in the nationwide hunger protest.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized this clarification during the official launch of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Ogbuku highlighted that the initiative, along with other ongoing programs by the commission, was not a reactionary measure to the protests that commenced on August 1, 2024.
During the Niger Delta Sensitization Conference for Ethnic Nationalities and Youths in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Ogbuku revealed that the Federal Government had endorsed a scheme to empower 10,000 youths in the region with skills, with the initial phase beneficiaries receiving a monthly stipend of N50,000.
In his remarks on Monday, Ogbuku affirmed that the scheme was independent of the hunger protest.
He stated, “When we planned to conduct this program, some individuals attempted to dissuade us, suggesting that we should wait after the 10-day period given for protests.”
“They expressed concerns that protesters might disrupt the event. Nevertheless, we responded by saying, ‘We are Niger Delta people. Let us utilize this occasion to assess whether our Niger Delta populace is receptive to beneficial initiatives’.
“Today, it is evident from wherever we are observing, witnessing the calmness, maturity, and responsibility exhibited by our youths. There is peace and harmony, reflecting our community’s appreciation for positive endeavors.
“The purpose of our gathering today is to launch the portal for the Youth Internship Scheme.
“I want to emphasize that all the programs earmarked for the youth, including today’s launch of the Youth Internship Scheme, were meticulously planned and were already included in the NDDC 2024 budget.”
Ogbuku clarified that the commission, alongside other stakeholders, urged the region’s youth not to engage in the 10-day protest due to the region’s history of protests and the current tranquility being enjoyed.