The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), FG have kicked off the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta region. This is part of the NDDC’s Youth Internship Scheme, which aims to provide young people with practical, hands-on training and develop critical skills.
According to Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, the beneficiaries will undergo 12 months of training across various organizations. The commission has completed the selection process and has begun placing trainees in organizations to gain practical experience.
The 10,000 beneficiaries were selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment program. The NDDC has assured that the selection process was transparent and that the beneficiaries were chosen based on merit.
The Youth Internship Scheme is part of the NDDC’s efforts to address the unique challenges faced by young people in the Niger Delta region. The commission has partnered with KPMG to enhance its corporate governance framework and design programs tailored to the needs of the youths.
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 45, reside in one of the Niger Delta states, and have at least a secondary school certificate. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 12 months.
The NDDC has assured that the scheme will have a lasting impact and pave the way for a brighter future for the youths in the region.