NDDC selects 10,000 youths for internship scheme

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has started placing 10,000 young people into organisations for a year-long practical skills training programme as part of its Youth Internship Scheme. These placements are designed to provide sustainable youth empowerment across the Niger Delta region.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, confirmed in a statement that the selection of beneficiaries has been completed, and placements are now underway. “The payment of monthly stipends has also begun,” she added.

Over 3.2 million young people registered for the scheme, showing the strong interest and potential among the region’s youth. The NDDC said that the selection process was conducted with fairness, transparency, and care, ensuring that the most deserving candidates were chosen.

“This overwhelming response shows the great aspirations of our youth,” said Thompson-Wakama. “We are committed to ensuring that this opportunity has a lasting, positive impact, helping to create a brighter future for everyone.”

To improve the programme, the NDDC has also created a digital database that includes important information about young people in the region, such as their skills, qualifications, and employment status. This will help the NDDC design more effective programmes tailored to the needs of the youth.

The Commission has partnered with KPMG, a global consultancy, to help improve its governance practices. KPMG has provided a report that will help guide the NDDC’s efforts to move from transactional to transformational policies.

Thompson-Wakama also expressed gratitude for the patience of the stakeholders, including those who applied for the internship scheme, throughout the detailed selection process.

“We are committed to being transparent and fair in everything we do,” she said. “This approach is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”