The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.
Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, revealed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State’s capital, on Thursday.
She said that the beneficiaries would receive practical, hands-on training from several organisations over a 12-month period to gain crucial skills.
Chronicle NG reports that during the scheme’s inauguration on July 31, 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the Federal Government had approved a N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.
According to Thompson-Wakama, the commission has completed the screening process and is now placing trainees in organisations to obtain practical experience.
“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she announced.
She added that the 10,000 beneficiaries were chosen in a transparent manner from over 3.2 million adolescents who registered for the empowerment initiative.
“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves.
“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.
Thompson-Wakama noted that the system enabled the commission to collect critical data, such as the qualifications, skills, interests, requirements, and job status of the region’s youths.
She stated that the data would help the commission build courses that are customised to the unique issues that young people confront.
She said that the NDDC collaborated with KPMG, a multinational auditing and consulting firm, to strengthen the commission’s corporate governance framework.
“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focused policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The director praised the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.
