3.2M youths enrolled in NDDC Project HOPE

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that 3.2 million youths have registered for Project HOPE since its launch on July 4, 2023. Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku made this announcement during the launch of the project’s second phase at the Rivers State Information and Communication Technology Centre in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku stated that Project HOPE aims to tackle significant challenges facing the youth, particularly regarding employment and opportunities for meaningful engagement. He explained that the first phase focused on creating a digital platform for data collection, which helped set the framework for effective program implementation.

The second phase will roll out eight targeted programs designed for job creation and youth empowerment across various sectors, including agriculture and technology. Ogbuku called for collaboration from all stakeholders, inviting government agencies, private sector representatives, international partners, community leaders, and NGOs to participate in this crucial initiative.

He encouraged Niger Delta youths to engage with enthusiasm and commitment, highlighting their role as key drivers of regional change. Ogbuku also addressed issues in previous empowerment programs, noting that political influences often led to the selection of participants who were not genuinely interested in training. He assured that selections for Project HOPE would be based on individual interests, with a monitoring system to track their progress.

NDDC Executive Director for Projects, Sir Victor Antai, described Project HOPE as more than just a program; he emphasized that it represents hope and a catalyst for change under Ogbuku’s leadership. Antai noted that the second phase would include eight strategic programs, such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and a technology initiative called Mili-Tech, aimed at equipping youths with modern skills for global competitiveness.

He stressed the importance of shifting from militancy to technology in today’s digital age, stating that the initiative would offer training in structured cabling, data analysis, animation, and software development to create global opportunities for participants.

Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Wali, praised the NDDC for its collaboration with the state government, asserting that the commission’s efforts would greatly benefit the future of youths in the Niger Delta. Additionally, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, the resource person for Project HOPE, highlighted that the second phase would kick off with eight quick-impact initiatives, underscoring the need for a robust development model in the region.