NDDC releases N5b for women, youth empowerment in Niger Delta

The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has approved the release of N5 billion out of a budget of N30 billion for women and youth empowerment programmes in the nine NDDC states.

The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

He said, “N30 billion was approved in the budget. We have released payment of N5 billion.”

The Managing Director of the commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, disclosed this on Wednesday in Owerri during the Youth and Women Day, as part of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the interventionist agency. He noted that the events began some days earlier in Akure and later moved to Asaba, featuring thanksgiving and a World press conference where the achievements and challenges of the commission were shared with the public.

The event, which was attended by some senators, legislators, and government officials, saw Ogbuku inform that, in order to access the funds, any beneficiary must register with the Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) and provide necessary data about the potential beneficiary.

He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had given full approval for the commission to proceed to the next phase, such as agricultural development among others. He mentioned that a summit would be convened to unveil a road map.

The commission’s MD further disclosed that the president warned against abandoning any project, henceforth. 

Ogbuku said the president also expressed gratitude to the people of the region for not participating in last year’s protest against his administration.

He expressed happiness about what he regarded as the unwavering commitment of the Senate Committee chairman on the NDDC, Asuquo Ekpenyong, other members of the National Assembly committee on the commission, the chairman of the board, Chinedu Ebie, and the agency’s staff, for their encouragement, support, and dedication.

In his speech, the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by his deputy, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, commended the agency for the achievements recorded in the last 25 years, urging it to intensify efforts in the areas of women and youth employment programmes, and expressed the readiness of the state to partner with the commission in the SkillUpImo programme, where about 40,000 youths have benefitted.

“You are indeed making a difference,” he declared.

Speaking, the Imo State representative on the commission’s board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, commended the achievements of the agency within the years of its existence.

They promised more support.

Two resource persons, Dele Oye and Chinyere Odu, spoke on the need to expand the scope of women and youth empowerment programmes by the commission.