The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta region as part of its Youths Internship Scheme.
This announcement was made by Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Mrs. Thompson-Wakama emphasized that the initiative aims to provide beneficiaries with hands-on training across various organizations for a period of 12 months, equipping them with essential skills for their professional development.
She noted that this move aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment, which was highlighted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the scheme’s inauguration on July 31, 2024.
“The commission has successfully finalized the selection process and is now matching trainees with organizations where they will gain functional experience,” she stated, adding that the disbursement of stipends has officially begun following the completion of these initial stages.
The selection of beneficiaries was rigorous, with a notable 10,000 youths chosen from an overwhelming pool of over 3.2 million applicants.
“This unprecedented response underscores the vast potential and aspirations of our youth to enhance their lives,” she commented.
Thompson-Wakama reiterated NDDC’s commitment to ensuring that this transformative opportunity reaches those most in need, thereby fostering a lasting impact and paving the way for brighter futures for these young individuals.
She also explained that the program has enabled the NDDC to gather vital data regarding the qualifications, skills, interests, and employment status of local youths. This information will be instrumental in developing future initiatives that are tailored to address the specific challenges faced by young people in the region.
In a strategic move to bolster its corporate governance framework, the NDDC has partnered with KPMG, a renowned global audit and consultancy firm.
Thompson-Wakama mentioned, “KPMG has delivered a Governance Advisory Report that will facilitate our transition from transaction-based operations to a transformation-focused policy.”
The director extended her gratitude to the youths for their patience and cooperation throughout the selection process, emphasizing the program’s significance in empowering the next generation.
Kudos to NDDC for this very laudable feat.
Is there a way the names of the chosen Youths can be published?
It will help add credibility to the whole exercise.