President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the urgent need for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to redirect the energy of youths in the Niger Delta region from violent tendencies and militancy towards productive ventures like entrepreneurship and skills acquisition. This charge was delivered during the grand finale commemorating the 25th anniversary of the NDDC, which took place in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Saturday. Speaking on behalf of the president, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed that the NDDC plays a critical role in driving the economic advancement of the Niger Delta region. The president remarked, “In addition to physical infrastructure, the NDDC must give premium attention to human capital development, as it is a key indicator of societal progress.” He urged the commission to actively engage with the youths in the Niger Delta through meaningful initiatives that would provide alternatives to violence and militancy. Tinubu advocated for nurturing entrepreneurial skills and fostering pathways for self-empowerment and legitimate business ventures among the youth population. “This government holds youth empowerment in high regard. I am encouraging the NDDC to forge a strong collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Development, in order to fully harness the existing government-driven initiatives aimed at youth upliftment,” Tinubu asserted. Furthermore, the president reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to community development, describing it as a priority agenda under his leadership. He also highlighted that the prompt constitution of the NDDC board at the inception of his administration, along with increased financial allocations to the commission, is a clear demonstration of his dedication to the growth and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
