NDDC denies jobs offer is response to protest

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied claims that its recent offer of 10,000 jobs for youths in the Niger Delta was meant to distract them from participating in nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, addressed these claims during the official launch of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Ogbuku clarified that the job scheme and other initiatives by the commission were planned well in advance and were not a reaction to the protests that began on August 1, 2024.

He recalled announcing the scheme on July 30, 2024, during a Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference, where he revealed that the Federal Government had approved a program to empower 10,000 youths in the region. Beneficiaries in the first phase would receive N50,000 monthly.

At Monday’s launch, Ogbuku emphasized, “When we wanted to host this programme, some persons tried to discourage us, saying we should wait until after the 10 days given by protesters. They said the protesters might come and disrupt the programme. We said, ‘We are Niger Delta people. Let us use this event to test if our Niger Delta people are sensible enough to embrace something good.’”

He continued, “Today, you can see how quiet, calm, and responsible our youths are looking. If you go outside, you’ll see that there is no trouble anywhere. Our people appreciate good things.”

Ogbuku explained that the Youth Internship Scheme and other programs were not created in response to the planned protest. He stated, “All the programmes that we have earmarked for the youths, including the Youths Internship Scheme, are not an afterthought or in reaction to the protest. All these programmes were carefully thought out and included in the NDDC budget for 2024.”

He also addressed the call from the commission and other stakeholders for the region’s youths to avoid participating in the protest, noting that the region has experienced many protests and has learned to appreciate and celebrate its moments of peace.