FIC Report (Rivers State) – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the 3,221,000 persons currently registered on the Holistic Opportunities Programme for Engagements (Project HOPE), portal is not enough, because the youths in the Niger Delta are well over more than that. He disclosed that the online portal is still receiving applications.
Dr Ogbuku stated this during the official launch of the second phase of the project HOPE initiative which marks the commencement of the implementation of the programme.
The event which took place on Monday, September 30, 2024 in Port Harcourt, at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Centre had in attendance board members of the commission, commissioners for Youth Development of Imo, Ondo and Rivers State, select beneficiaries of the programme, directors and staff of the commission.
Dr Ogbuku said that Project HOPE, was conceived out of the necessity to address the pressing challenges facing the youths, especially in the area of employment and the lack of opportunities for meaningful engagement.
He noted that the first phase of the launching took place earlier in the year, when the commission onboarded the communities that were donating lands to the commission for the agricultural scheme of project Hope, and that the first phase entailed designing and deploying a digital platform for data collection, analysis and creating a parameter for the programme implementation.
The NDDC boss explained that the second phase is the implementation phase of eight meticulously designed programmes aimed at creating jobs and empowering our youth across various sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, technology, music and arts. Others are internship, maritime, underwater welding, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
He admitted that nothing was new from the efforts of the commission, in developing the region and empowering youths, but that the commission has realized that the harmonization of all their programmes under one platform was missing in their efforts.
He revealed that, “Before now, there was no data, everything was done with a very clear conscience and good intentions, but the entire process was not well utilized.”
Dr Ogbuku explained that under the platform of project HOPE, for one to be a beneficiary, the person must have been registered in an area of competency and interest, choosing from the 8 selected areas of the project.
According to him, the NDDC can only engage youths in the area of their competence, as against engaging and training youths in areas that they are not passionate about, as after the training programmes, most times they sell off their starter-packs at the venue of the training.
He stated that this is aimed at ensuring that atleast 80% if not more, utilize the opportunity given to them, thereby adding value to the society.
He underscored that, “Funds are scarce, and we do not intend to waste funds because we want to give more opportunities to new persons and not just keep recycling the same beneficiaries.
“Also, in the past, we found out that same beneficiaries keep benefitting because they are closer to the headquarters of the NDDC, probably they are the ones that have friends and relatives in the management and board of the NDDC.
“But with project HOPE, we are going to implement our distribution ratio, which is the quality of state and the quantum of production. And based on that, on every programme that we are going to carry out, it is going to replicate that way.”
He assured guests at the event that equity and justice will be applied based on the commission’s principle that the highest oil producing state gets the highest number of beneficiaries, irrespective of where the MD of the commission hails from.
These he underscored were the new ingredients which the management and board are bringing into project HOPE, to consolidate the vision of past leaders of the commission.
According to him, “We are here to improve on the achievements of our past leaders, and correct their mistakes because every administration had its own lapses and short-comings.”
He added that, “This policy will shut-out middle men, as you do not need to pay money to be a beneficiary of the project. So report anyone that requests money to the commission, so the person can be arrested.
“It will be based purely on merit, and once merited, you will get it. So everyone no matter how far and near should not be worried as they will be reached.”
Speaking further during the unveiling of the project, Ogbuku called on State governments, IOCs, and other companies operating in the Niger Delta to come and utilize the data collated by the commission for their future engagements.
He also used the opportunity to call on State governments to further partner with the commission on project HOPE, so that the programme will also serve the purpose and benefit for the people of the Niger Delta.
Speaking earlier at the event, the NDDC Executive Director, Project, Sir Victor Antai, said that Project HOPE was more than just a project, stating that: “It is a beacon of optimism and a catalyst for change. conceived under the insightful leadership of our Managing Director.
“This initiative aims to harness the potential of our youth and provide them with viable avenues for self-actualization and economic empowerment.
“The second phase we are launching today focuses on the implementation of eight strategic programmes, including Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (Mili-Tech).
“Apart from technology, the Project HOPE aims to cover other key areas, such as music and arts, entrepreneurial development, marine and internship.
“Our emphasis on technology, particularly the ‘Mili-Tech’ programme, represents a significant shift. By equipping our youth with modern technological skills, we are positioning them to compete globally and drive innovation within our region.”
Antai observed that in a rapidly digitalizing world, transitioning from militancy to technology is imperative. “We are equipping our youths with skills in structured cabling, data analysis, animation, and software development, thereby opening doors to global opportunities”, he disclosed.
He said that the success of Project HOPE depends on collaboration. He, therefore urged government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and the youths to wholeheartedly embrace the initiative.
The former Managing Director of the commission on his part, Timi Alaibe while conveying his goodwill message, commended the 7th board and management of the commission, adding that he is delighted to have been invited, because he knows the history of the NDDC.
He therefore implored the youths of the region to tap into the change and transformation of the region, so it does not elude them.
In his goodwill message, Dr Chisom Gbali, Commissioner for Youth Development in Rivers State, commended the NDDC for the project, which according to him is one of those action plans that show that indeed there is “a paradigm shift from a precarious circle to a spiral circle”.
He described the project as an effort that will positively build Rivers youths, while noting that it was in sync with the state government’s vision for the youth and explained why the state government supported the programme with the donation of its ICT centre.
He adjudged the NDDC boss as a successful man because he was helping the youths to also succeed and commended the consultant of the project for a well-articulated programme.
Also delivering goodwill messages, Ondo and Imo states Commissioners for Youth Development lauded the management and board of the NDDC for the programme, while pledging their support in ensuring that the programme succeeds in their states.
Also speaking, the Project Consultant for project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, affirmed that the second phase of the programme would commence with eight quick impact action specimens, noting that the time had come for a serious development model to kick-off in the Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, Tony Okocha, a member of the NDDC board while delivering the vote of thanks assured guests at the event that courtesy of the governing board of the commission, development and progress will be seen in the region.
One of the selected beneficiaries at the event, Faith Ami, who hails from Rivers State said she is going for agriculture, with focus on cassava farming and processing.
She expressed optimism that if empowered, she will do well in her chosen field of endeavour.
Speaking of how she was selected, she said she was selected by applying online, and then she got a message that she has been shortlisted.
For Domendu Ogechukwu, a male beneficiary from Imo State, he was selected from the state level. He said he is going into agriculture and will leverage on technology to display his products, while stating that he is one of those who are already practicing, and needed to be upskilled.
He said he expects more knowledge, so he can pass on the learning to other youths.
Helen Nsirim
For: Head of Centre
Port Harcourt
