NDDC Launches Youth Internship Scheme for 10,000 Young People

On August 5, 2024, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) announced a new initiative aimed at helping young people in the region. The Youth Internship Scheme is set to empower 10,000 youths by providing them with essential skills and a stipend to support their learning process.

Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the Governing Board, officially launched the program. He highlighted the importance of this scheme, noting that it can significantly alter the lives of those who participate. The initiative is free and operates online, tackling the pressing issues of limited education and skill sets among the youth of the Niger Delta.

Ebie pointed out that the program includes an online registration process, allowing applicants to easily sign up without any middlemen. The age limit for applicants is set at 45 years, ensuring that the program is focused on genuinely eligible young people. He also made a special mention of provisions for persons living with disabilities.

As part of his address, Ebie stressed that individuals over 45 should refrain from applying, as they are nearing retirement age. This move, he explained, is to make room for younger candidates who still have decades of working life ahead of them and will thus benefit from the program.

Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and CEO of NDDC, added his own remarks, emphasizing the need for beneficiaries to conduct themselves appropriately during their internships. He warned that participants who misbehave may face expulsion from the scheme.

Quarterly reports will monitor the behavior of participants, and any sign of misconduct could lead to removal from the program. Ogbuku urged the youths to take advantage of this opportunity and represent Niger Delta youths well wherever they are placed in their internships.

Ogbuku explained that while being selected does not guarantee employment, several consultants will supervise the program, ensuring that participants maintain good conduct. This mentorship would contribute to their overall development and effectiveness during their internships.

Each state in the Niger Delta will have a flat rate of 500 participants allocated, regardless of their crude oil production share. Ogbuku stressed that this method is about fairness and equality among the states involved.

Finally, Ogbuku reassured potential applicants that the online system is robust, designed to manage high traffic with six servers supporting the portal to avoid crashes during the application process. He expressed readiness to collaborate with other relevant government agencies to maximize opportunities for the youth.