NDDC Launches Youth Internship Scheme with Monthly Stipends
Abuja, Nigeria – On Monday, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), announced that selected participants of the commission’s Youth Internship Scheme will start receiving a monthly stipend of N50,000 beginning in December. This announcement came during a ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where Dr. Ogbuku was honored as an Ambassador Extraordinaire by the University of Ibadan. The accolade was presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale and his delegation.
The Youth Internship Programme, which was inaugurated on August 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt, has already attracted more than three million applications from enthusiastic young individuals keenly awaiting the release of the beneficiary list and the onset of the training sessions.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that the scheme will involve a one-year attachment to various organizations, where beneficiaries will gain valuable skills. In addition to the internship effort, he highlighted a new initiative named Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), aimed at providing more paths and opportunities for the youth in the Niger Delta tailored to their interests in skills training.
During the ceremony, he urged the University of Ibadan to enhance its research initiatives, assuring that the NDDC is keen to partner with universities to conduct vital research that addresses social and medical challenges. “We are prepared to fund research and collaborate with universities to develop life-saving vaccines and sustainable solutions for various societal issues,” Dr. Ogbuku noted.
He expressed pride in receiving the recognition from the University of Ibadan, stating that it signifies growing appreciation for the NDDC’s accomplishments among Nigerians. Additionally, he announced plans to inaugurate more completed projects by the first week of December and shared that KPMG has concluded its review of the commission’s corporate governance to enhance internal processes and establish robust institutional protocols.
Dr. Ogbuku expressed his satisfaction with the successful development of a Standard Operating Procedure for the NDDC, which he believes will foster a strong organizational culture based on ethics and sound corporate governance.
Prof. Adebowale commended Dr. Ogbuku for the transformative projects and initiatives spearheaded by the NDDC under his stewardship, stating, “We recognized the need to honor those who have significantly improved lives in society, which is why we chose to celebrate Dr. Ogbuku during the University of Ibadan’s 75th anniversary.”
During his address, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the university’s prominent status both in Nigeria and globally, noting its consistent lead in the Webometric ranking for the past 15 years and its recognition in the Times Higher Education World University rankings in 2016.
Prof. Peter Olapegba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, described Dr. Ogbuku as a social scientist significantly contributing to societal improvement. He added that the decision to honor esteemed Nigerians is aimed at fostering a collaborative future.
Chief Boma Iyaye, the NDDC Executive Director for Finance and Administration, praised the University of Ibadan delegation for their recognition of the commission and its leadership, promising that the partnership between the university and the NDDC would thrive.
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