NDDC To Begin Disbursing Monthly Stipends To 10,000 Youth Interns From December

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the 10,000 beneficiaries of its Youth Internship scheme will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 starting in December 2024.

The news was revealed by the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during a ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The internship programme, launched on August 5, 2024, attracted over three million applications from Niger Delta youths eager to gain practical skills and experience.

Dr. Ogbuku explained that the selected beneficiaries will be attached to organizations for a year, receiving training and guidance.

The NDDC is also implementing a “Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement” (HOPE) programme to further empower youth in the region. This program aims to identify individual interests and provide tailored skills training opportunities.

Dr. Ogbuku’s announcement came alongside his decoration as an Ambassador Extraordinaire of the University of Ibadan, a testament to the NDDC’s growing contributions to society.

The Commission has pledged to support research initiatives at the university, aiming to find solutions to various social and medical problems.

The NDDC’s efforts to improve its internal processes and governance have also been recognized. KPMG, a global business consultancy, has completed a review of the Commission’s corporate governance system, leading to the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure ethical and transparent practices.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, lauded Dr. Ogbuku for his leadership and the transformative projects undertaken by the NDDC.

He highlighted the university’s dedication to recognizing individuals making a significant impact on society, citing Dr. Ogbuku’s contributions as a driving force behind the decision to honor him.

The NDDC is currently gearing up to inaugurate a number of completed projects by the first week of December, further showcasing its commitment to development in the Niger Delta region.