The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has registered 3.2 million youths for its Project HOPE initiative since its launch on July 4, 2023. This was revealed by NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during the launch of the second phase at the Rivers State Information and Communication Technology Centre in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku highlighted that Project HOPE was designed to tackle youth unemployment and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement in the region. He explained that the first phase was dedicated to creating a digital platform for collecting and analyzing data to ensure effective implementation.
Job Creation and Empowerment
In its second phase, Project HOPE will roll out eight programs targeting job creation and youth empowerment across sectors such as agriculture and technology. Ogbuku called for collaboration from stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, international organizations, and NGOs, to support the initiative.
He urged the youth of the Niger Delta to seize these opportunities with enthusiasm, emphasizing their role in driving the region’s transformation.
Ogbuku also addressed past issues with empowerment programs, noting that political interests often led to the selection of participants who lacked genuine interest. He stressed the importance of commitment and engagement from participants to ensure the success of this new initiative.
