The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the second phase of its Holistic Opportunities Programmes for Engagement (HOPE) project will focus on empowering youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. This announcement was made by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during the launch of the second phase in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Monday.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that the project was developed in response to the urgent challenges faced by the youth in the region, particularly concerning employment opportunities and meaningful engagement. He stated, “The second phase is the implementation phase of eight carefully designed programs aimed at creating jobs and empowering our youths across various sectors, including agriculture and technology.”
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Ogbuku called on all stakeholders to join in this initiative. He said, “The success of Project HOPE requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. I extend an open invitation to government entities, private sector players, international partners, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to join us in this noble venture.”
He encouraged the youth of the Niger Delta to approach these opportunities with enthusiasm and determination, asserting, “You are the architects of your destiny and the catalysts for regional transformation.”
Dr. Ogbuku also pointed out that past empowerment programs have often been hindered by political interests, leading to participants who lack genuine passion for their training. He noted, “In many cases, individuals selected for these programs sell off the starter packs and equipment they receive after training. Our approach is different; we aim to select participants based on their interests and passions. With a strong data-driven selection process, we believe participants will excel in their chosen fields. Additionally, we will implement a monitoring system to track their progress and performance.”
Victor Antai, the commission’s Executive Director of Projects, highlighted that Project HOPE represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the region, reinforcing the NDDC’s commitment to empowering its youth and fostering sustainable development.
