The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths under its Youth Internship Scheme. The initiative aims to equip young people from the region with practical skills and experience to enhance their employability and self-reliance.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She stated that the selected youths would undergo 12 months of hands-on training across various organisations to develop critical skills needed for the modern workforce.
The scheme was inaugurated on July 31, 2024, during which Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N50,000 monthly stipend for participants. Thompson-Wakama revealed that the commission has completed the selection process and trainees have begun placements in partner organisations.
“With the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she said.
The director highlighted that the 10,000 beneficiaries were carefully chosen from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment programme.
“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves. 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 added.
The Youth Internship Scheme has also allowed the NDDC to collect essential data on the qualifications, skills, and employment status of the region’s youth, which will help design future programmes tailored to their specific needs.
To ensure transparency and improve governance, Thompson-Wakama noted that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm. KPMG produced a Governance Advisory Report to assist the commission in transitioning from a transaction-based to a transformation-focused policy framework.
She commended the youths for their patience and cooperation throughout the selection process, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to delivering initiatives that promote the region’s development and prosperity.
The scheme is expected to provide lasting benefits by empowering participants with the skills and experience necessary to secure sustainable livelihoods while boosting the region’s economic growth.
