The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) aims to prevent protests by creating 10,000 job opportunities for residents of the Niger Delta region.

In a decisive move, the Federal Government has taken steps to prevent the planned nationwide protest, extending its efforts to the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled a series of initiatives, including the creation of 10,000 jobs for the youth.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, announced these initiatives at a youth forum near the Commission’s headquarters on the Eastern Bypass. The event was well-attended, with a large crowd and significant traffic congestion in the area.

Ogbuku aimed to highlight the benefits the current administration offers to the youth of the region. He outlined the details of the 2024 budget, which includes N1.9 trillion in allocations. He also mentioned a N30 billion fund established in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to support youth businesses, alongside the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce.

Furthermore, Ogbuku spoke about a N1 trillion loan from the Presidency, designated for launching legacy projects to revive stalled developments. He emphasized that these projects would provide employment and business opportunities, ensuring everyone in the region stays engaged.

He also noted that specific provisions are being made for the women of the region, with consultations ongoing with women leaders.

In a significant announcement, Ogbuku revealed the largest initiative: 10,000 internship positions for the youth, offering a stipend of N50,000 per month. These positions will be distributed across local council areas in the region, with merit-based selection. Ogbuku encouraged the youth to register immediately to take advantage of this opportunity, assuring them that the process would be impartial and not based on political affiliations.

Ogbuku expressed his confidence in the youth’s trust in him and urged them to extend the same trust to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. He called on the Niger Delta people to support the current government, warning against joining protests that could undermine their interests. “If we own it and protect it, we will reap the benefits in the next three years,” he stated.

To underscore the administration’s responsiveness, Ogbuku highlighted the recent stakeholders’ summit’s resolution to urgently repair the East-West Road. He announced that work had already begun, with the President ordering immediate repairs and the establishment of an emergency fund for permanent construction. He mentioned that the Senate President and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs have been pushing for rapid progress. He noted that areas of concern raised by the Bayelsa State Governor have already been addressed, making the road more accessible.

Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also spoke at the event, praising the NDDC’s improved relationship with the region’s people and leadership. He expressed regret at missing the summit but acknowledged the positive resolutions reached. Kalu emphasized the importance of the region’s representation in government, noting that the Senate President and Deputy Speaker hail from the Niger Delta.

The youth forum, attended by many regional leaders, was clearly aimed at persuading the region’s residents to reject the planned nationwide protest. However, it remains uncertain whether the attendees will convince those who were absent to forgo the protest.