NDDC: Unemployed youths express disappointment over performance of current board, seek implementation of youth internship scheme

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The society of the welfare of unemployed youth of Nigeria has expressed disappointment over the performance of the current board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC led by Samuel Ogbuku.

The group in a statement titled “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! NDDC, STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH THE FUTURE OF NIGER DELTA YOUTHS: IMPLEMENT THE YOUTH INTERNSHIP SCHEME NOW!” signed and issued by its national president Comr. Preye Tambou which a copy was sent to Congress Newspaper during the weekend said that the commission had performed below expectations.

The group sought immediate implementation of the proposed youth internship programme of the commission, citing that the delay in the implementation of NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which aimed to provide 12-month internships to 10,000 young people across various industries is making youths lose trust in the Ogbuku led NDDC board

The unemployed youths advised the current NDDC board to learn from its past mistakes and avoid the pitfalls of corruption and inefficiency, stating that the commission should engage with stakeholders, including youth organizations and community leaders, to ensure that the scheme is tailored to the needs of the region and its young people.

The group reiterated that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), needs to take a hard look at his approach to empowering the people of Niger Delta, stressing that it was time for him to stop making promises he can’t keep and instead, focus on delivering tangible results that benefit the entire region, not just his inner circle and a selected few.

The statement reads in part,

“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) needs to walk the talk and deliver on its promises to unemployed youths. The NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which aims to provide 12-month internships to 10,000 young people across various industries, sounds like a great initiative, but it’s time to see some real action.

“Unemployed youths in the Niger Delta region are eager to gain practical skills and experience, and this scheme has the potential to make a significant impact on their lives. However, the NDDC must ensure that it’s not just another scheme that fails to deliver on its promises. The commission needs to be transparent and accountable in its selection process and provide clear timelines for the implementation of the scheme.

“It’s also important for the NDDC to learn from its past mistakes and avoid the pitfalls of corruption and inefficiency. The commission should engage with stakeholders, including youth organizations and community leaders, to ensure that the scheme is tailored to the needs of the region and its young people.

“The NDDC’s vision is to offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta region, but this will only be achieved through concrete actions and not just empty promises. The commission needs to demonstrate its commitment to the region’s youth by providing them with opportunities for growth and development.

“Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), needs to take a hard look at his approach to empowering the people of Niger Delta. It’s time for him to stop making promises he can’t keep and instead, focus on delivering tangible results that benefit the entire region, not just his inner circle and a select few.

“The NDDC’s Youth Internship Scheme, for instance, has been touted as a game-changer, but it’s essential that Dr. Ogbuku ensures its implementation is transparent, fair, and inclusive. The scheme should not be used as a tool for sectional and nepotic empowerment, where only those with connections benefit.

“Dr. Ogbuku has shown promise with initiatives like Project HOPE, which aims to provide opportunities for Niger Delta youths. However, it’s crucial that he follows through on these promises and ensures that the benefits are equitably distributed.

“The people of Niger Delta are eager for meaningful development and empowerment. Dr. Ogbuku must rise to the challenge and deliver on his promises, rather than just paying lip service to the region’s needs. It’s time for him to put the interests of the people above those of his cronies and take concrete steps towards transforming the Niger Delta region.

“Let’s hope that the NDDC will take the necessary steps to make the Youth Internship Scheme a success and provide unemployed youths in the Niger Delta region with the support they need to thrive. Anything less would be a betrayal of their trust and a missed opportunity to make a positive impact on the region”, the group explained.