The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched its highly anticipated Youth Internship Program, intending to engage 10,000 young individuals.
This year-long initiative focuses on skills acquisition and practical training across various organizations, aiming to empower the youth sustainably.
Furthermore, the program has begun disbursing monthly stipends to successful participants, enhancing their financial support during the training.
This initiative is designed to promote sustainable youth empowerment in the Niger Delta region.
With over 3.2 million applications received, the selection process prioritized fairness and equity.
Consequently, this approach ensures that the chosen candidates represent the best among all applicants, reflecting the region’s diverse talent pool.
Moreover, this scheme highlights the tremendous untapped potential of youth in the region and their drive for a better future. By investing in their skills and capabilities, the NDDC aims to foster long-term growth and development.
As part of this initiative, the NDDC has established a robust digital directory. This directory catalogs participants’ qualifications, skill sets, areas of interest, and employment statuses, facilitating better engagement with the interns.
This data-centric resource will enable the Commission to craft tailored initiatives that address the specific needs and aspirations of this dynamic population. Such customization enhances the effectiveness of the program and its impact on participants.
To underscore its commitment to ethical practices and transparent governance, the NDDC formed a strategic collaboration with KPMG. This partnership ultimately produced a Governance Advisory Report, which aims to steer the commission toward a transformational policy framework.
Furthermore, this report serves as a roadmap for the NDDC, guiding it away from a purely transactional model. In contrast, it emphasizes the importance of implementing sustainable development strategies that yield long-term benefits.
As a result, these strategies aim to improve the organization’s effectiveness while simultaneously enhancing its overall accountability and transparency in operations.
Ultimately, they ensure alignment with global best practices and bolster stakeholder trust.
Reaffirming its dedication to inclusive development, the NDDC is engaging with various stakeholders. These include youth groups and community leaders, aiming to jointly envision a prosperous future for the Niger Delta region.
This program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes equity and inclusion as essential pillars of national progress. Consequently, it reflects the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, expressed profound gratitude to stakeholders and applicants. She acknowledged their understanding throughout the selection process, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins this initiative.
Thompson-Wakama described the internship program as a groundbreaking step in empowering the youth across the region. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the Niger Delta’s young population.
The NDDC remains unwavering in its resolve to generate meaningful opportunities. Ultimately, it aims to foster sustainable development for the youthful population of the Niger Delta, ensuring a brighter future for all.