Unemployed youths accuse NDDC MD of deception over alleged payment of 10,000 youths in Niger Delta

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Renowned pressure group, the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria has said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku has crossed the line from incompetence to brazen corruption, describing the alleged payment of 10,000 youth internship schemes as scam, arguing that beneficiaries where paid without a shortlisted list being released or published.

According to a statement by the Forum’s National Coordinator, Comrade Preye Tambou, the reported payment was an alleged move to the siphon fund meant for Niger Delta development to finance Ogbuku’s governorship ambition in 2027.

The statement noted, “This is not just a case of mismanagement; it is a clear case of deception, a deliberate attempt to loot funds meant for regional development. The NDDC’s Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his management board are siphoning funds to finance their personal political aspirations ahead of 2027 general elections.

“The NDDC, under its current management, has proven to be a scam. Their actions are a clear indication that they are more interested in lining their pockets than in regional development and empowering Niger Delta youths.

“UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

1. How did the NDDC obtain account details of applicants when it wasn’t requested during registration?

2. How can payment be made without a shortlisted list?

3. Why the secrecy around the selection process?

4. Where is the shortlisted list?

5. How and when was the screening or selection done?

6. What criteria did you consider for selection?

7. Who are the beneficiaries or ghosts you claimed you paid already?

“The NDDC’s actions reek of deception and incompetence. This is one joke too many. It’s time for the Managing Director Dr. Ogbuku and the entire board to be held accountable for their mishandling of the youth internship scheme. Their actions are a slap in the face of Niger Delta youths who have been patiently waiting for opportunities. This is not the first time the NDDC has been embroiled in controversy. Recently, they also claimed to have trained 364 young farmers for the LIFE-ND Agric Project, but there’s no evidence to support this claim. No pictorial or video evidence. No beneficiaries have come forward to show appreciation, and it seems like just another ploy to siphon and embezzle funds.

“Most of our Federal and State governments ministries, agencies and parastatals like the NDDC have proven themselves to be agencies and government parastatals more interested in perpetuating corruption and deceit than in genuinely empowering Nigerian youths. Their actions are a clear indication that they are more Yahoo boys than genuine leaders.

“Nigerian leaders and agencies have a history of scamming youths and citizens, often with impunity, due to a failed system that perpetuates corruption. The Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) handling of the 10,000 youth internship scheme is a prime example. Despite application, announcing the deployment and payment of beneficiaries, no shortlisted names were released, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the process.

“This lack of accountability is symptomatic of a broader problem in Nigeria, where corruption is rampant and those in power often act with impunity. The country has consistently ranked high in corruption indices, with Transparency International (TI) ranking Nigeria as one of the most corrupt nations in the world.

“Until the system is reformed and transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are upheld, Nigerian youths and citizens will continue to be vulnerable to scams and corruption perpetrated by those in power.

“The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) demands an immediate investigation into the NDDC’s handling of the youth internship scheme. We call for the sack of the NDDC MD Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the entire board members for deceiving and playing with the destiny of Niger Delta youths.

“Enough is enough! It’s time for transparency and accountability in the NDDC. Niger Delta youths deserve better. We demand a total overhaul of the NDDC’s leadership and a thorough investigation into their activities. We will not accept anything less. The future of Niger Delta youths is at stake, and we will fight for what is rightfully theirs”, the group added.