Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Launches Youth Internship Scheme with Monthly Stipends
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated a Youth Internship Scheme, offering N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta region. This program, designed to provide practical training and skill development, was announced by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
The scheme, which kicked off on July 31, 2024, received endorsement from the Federal Government, as highlighted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who confirmed the approval of the stipend for the participants. The commissioned initiative aims to equip youth with hands-on training opportunities across various organizations over the span of 12 months.
Mrs. Thompson-Wakama shared that the selection process for beneficiaries has been completed successfully and the trainees are currently being placed with organizations to start gaining practical experience. “With these crucial phases completed, we are pleased to announce that the distribution of monthly stipends has officially begun,” she stated.
Out of an impressive 3.2 million youths who registered for this empowerment initiative, the top 10,000 were chosen through a transparent selection process. “This remarkable response underscores the great potential and ambition of our young people to better themselves,” Thompson-Wakama noted, emphasizing the NDDC’s commitment to providing this life-changing opportunity to deserving individuals.
The director explained that the execution of the scheme has also allowed the commission to gather vital data on the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of youths in the Niger Delta. This data is expected to inform the NDDC’s future programs, enabling the commission to tailor its initiatives to effectively address the specific challenges faced by the youth in the region.
In addition, Thompson-Wakama announced a partnership with KPMG, a prominent global audit and consultancy firm, aimed at enhancing the commission’s governance framework. KPMG has developed a Governance Advisory Report to aid NDDC in shifting from a transaction-based approach to one focused on transformative policies.
The director concluded by praising the patience and cooperation of the youths during the selection process, reinforcing the NDDC’s dedication to supporting and empowering the younger generation.
I Applied But Didnt Receive Text Or Mail. The Bosses In the Commission Always Give It To There Own Children and Relatives. They Are Not Fair To the People.