The Niger Delta Development Commission has started paying N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs. Seledi-Thompson-Wakama, shared this news with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo practical, hands-on training in various organizations for 12 months to develop important skills.
During the inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the Federal Government’s approval of the N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.
“With the completion of the selection and placement process, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” Thompson-Wakama said.
She revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the programme.
“This overwhelming response highlights the potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves,” she stated.
Thompson-Wakama noted that the scheme helped the commission collect vital data, including the qualifications, skills, interests, and employment status of the youths in the region. This data will guide the commission in creating programmes tailored to address the specific challenges faced by young people.
She also disclosed that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm, to improve the commission’s corporate governance framework.
“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will support the commission’s shift from a transaction-based to a transformation-focused policy,” she added.
The director praised the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.
