A group, the Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide (AYF-W), has expressed deep disappointment over the lack of transparency in the implementation of the Niger Delta Youth Internship Programme of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The forum called for equity and transparency in the internship programme meant for all Niger Deltans.
The group, in a statement co-signed by the national secretary
Comr. Kabadi John and the national publicity secretary, Comr. Ekwukwo Elvis raised the alarm after the national executive committee meeting.
They said the programme, originally designed to empower 10,000 youths of the region monthly to ameliorate their plights through a one-year skill-enhancing internship, has been shrouded in secrecy and masked by selective implementation.
“It is both alarming and unacceptable that despite Anioma youths dutifully applying for the program, there have been widespread complaints of no feedback and no shortlist by almost all those who applied with great expectations across all the 9 LGAs of Anioma.
“While the NEC is not taking away the possibility of deliberate marginalisation, discreet investigation and information sharing across the region points to almost no implementation of the scheme. This is despite the posture that it is meeting its obligation.
“It has become worrisome that 9 months of the programme met for 12 months are passed and nothing has happened.
“This total blackout of Anioma youths raises serious concerns about deliberate exclusion and a return to the old pattern of marginalisation, which Anioma youths will no longer tolerate.”
The group warned that any attempt to sideline Anioma youths from this noble initiative would be met with robust resistance and sustained advocacy.
They therefore called on Mr Chiedu Ebie (chairman), Dr Sam Ogbuku (managing director), and the entire NDDC board to urgently address this glaring anomaly by ensuring that Anioma youths are adequately given their quota in the internship programme.
“Good intentions alone are not enough—fair implementation and equitable distribution are the true tests of leadership. This is a defining moment. The board must demonstrate its commitment to justice by ensuring the immediate, transparent, and inclusive rollout of the internship program, which was slated for August 2024 but appears not to have commenced fully. The continued delay only fuels discontent and suspicion,” they added.
The statement reiterated that the programme’s success depends on its ability to reach all parts of the Niger Delta, including Anioma, which has long been overlooked.
The group while reaffirming its commitment to peace, equity, and progress in the Niger Delta added, “However, this same peace must never be mistaken for acceptance of injustice.
We urge the NDDC to do the right thing, including Anioma youths, or risk losing the trust of the youths.”
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