NDDC commences N50,000 monthly payment to 10,000 youths

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially started disbursing N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region as part of its Youth Internship Programme.

This was announced by the Director of Corporate Affairs at NDDC, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday. She explained that the initiative aims to equip beneficiaries with practical, hands-on training in various organisations over a 12-month period to help them develop critical skills.

The programme was initially launched on July 31, 2024, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed the Federal Government’s approval of the monthly stipends for the trainees.

According to Thompson-Wakama, the selection process has been successfully concluded, and placements for the trainees are underway.“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she confirmed.

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She further disclosed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were selected from over 3.2 million youths who applied for the programme, highlighting the overwhelming interest in the initiative.“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves,” she said.

Thompson-Wakama reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to ensuring that the programme reaches the most deserving candidates, creating meaningful opportunities and fostering long-term development in the region.“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.

She also noted that the initiative has helped the commission gather critical data on the qualifications, skills, interests, and employment status of youths in the region. This information, she said, will be used to design targeted programmes that address the specific challenges faced by young people.

In a bid to strengthen its corporate governance, the NDDC has partnered with KPMG, a leading global audit and consultancy firm.“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focused policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.

She concluded by commending the patience and cooperation of the youths throughout the selection process, expressing optimism about the positive impact the programme will have on their futures.