Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has applauded moves by the current leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to empower over 300,000 youths following the launch of the social development scheme for youths across the 185 local government areas across the nine Niger Delta states.
Under its “Hope and Light Up the Niger Delta Project,” LEADERSHIP gathered that the regional interventionist agency has so far trained and empowered no fewer than 370 youths, who are expected to train others in various vocational and skills development programmes.
Commending the NDDC for the scheme, the leadership of the movement led by its national president, Prince Boboye Peretu described the gesture as a better deal that would calm the frayed nerves of the jobless youths of the region and thanked the managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and his management team for the Holistic Opportunities Project and Engagement (HOPE), programme of the commission.
He said, „We are aware that 370 trainees cutting across all the 185 Local Government Areas of the nine states of the region have been trained as local government trainers.
„It is designed to create a comprehensive resource database of the youths population of the Niger Delta Region and as a platform to empower the youths on a sustainable basis. We are also aware that HOPE aims to provide targeted training and potential opportunities based on data – driven approach to over 300,000 registrants.
“Light Up The Niger Delta is a solar-powered street light project of the commission covering the nine states of the region. Aside from assisting the state governments in reducing the cost of diesel for generators and other associated ancillary expenses, it has lighted up hitherto dark street corners prone to criminality.
„These solar powered street lights, with their low operational cost and unencumbered installation have enhanced security and contribute to a sense of communal and social heritage in the region.
„Reports from different states have it that this ‘Light Up Niger Delta’ programme has stimulated economic growth, empowered local businesses and served as a beacon of hope in the nation‘s quest for sustainable development.“
