The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially kicked off payments of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 selected youths as part of its highly anticipated Youth Internship Scheme.
This scheme aims to provide practical skills training across various organizations, offering the youth of the Niger Delta a one-year opportunity for sustainable empowerment.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, confirmed the successful completion of the placement process, noting that the stipend payments had commenced.
“The selection process was conducted with the utmost transparency, diligence, and fairness after over 3.2 million young people registered in the database,” Thompson-Wakama stated.
The Commission emphasized its dedication to transparency in the initiative, partnering with global consultancy KPMG to oversee the governance framework.
“The KPMG Governance Advisory Report will guide our transition from transaction to transformation policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The scheme has garnered significant interest, with 3.2 million youths initially applying, a response that highlights the growing aspirations of the region’s younger generation. “The Commission remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact,” Thompson-Wakama said.
The NDDC also pointed to its data-driven approach in selecting beneficiaries, ensuring that the chosen youths align with the Commission’s goal of addressing the region’s unique needs.
The initiative has received praise from Niger Delta elders and youth leaders alike, who commended the leadership of the NDDC for its commitment to youth development.