Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) announced it will begin disbursing a monthly stipend of N50,000 to 10,000 youths selected for its Youth Internship Scheme, starting in December 2024.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC’s Managing Director, made this disclosure during a ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he was honored as an Ambassador Extraordinaire by the University of Ibadan.
Launched on August 5, the Youth Internship Scheme attracted over three million applications. Ogbuku explained that the selected interns would be attached to various organizations across the Niger Delta region, receiving hands-on training and skill development over a year. “This initiative reflects our commitment to youth empowerment and regional development,” he said.
In addition to the internship program, Ogbuku highlighted NDDC’s Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), which aims to provide additional vocational training and employment pathways for Niger Delta youth.
Ogbuku also underscored NDDC’s partnership with Nigerian universities, stating that the Commission is ready to fund research in areas critical to societal welfare, including vaccine development and social solutions. “We are partnering with institutions to produce life-saving innovations and tackle pressing medical and social challenges,” he added.
Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, praised Ogbuku for his contributions to the Niger Delta’s development, recognizing the NDDC’s recent transformation under his leadership. As the University of Ibadan celebrates its 75th anniversary, Adebowale emphasized the importance of acknowledging leaders dedicated to positive change.
The NDDC will inaugurate additional completed projects in December, signaling a continued push for sustainable development in the region.
