The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced the registration of 3.2 million youths for Project HOPE since its first phase was launched on July 4, 2023.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made this disclosure during the launch of the second phase of Project HOPE at the Rivers State Information and Communication Technology Centre. Ogbuku stated that the project was initiated to address critical challenges faced by the youth in the Niger Delta region, particularly in employment and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The first phase of Project HOPE focused on creating a digital platform for data collection and analysis, establishing the parameters for effective program implementation. The second phase is geared towards executing eight carefully crafted programs aimed at job creation and youth empowerment across various sectors, including agriculture and technology.
Dr Ogbuku called for collaboration from all stakeholders, inviting government agencies, private sector participants, international partners, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to join the initiative. He urged Niger Delta youths to approach the opportunities offered with enthusiasm and commitment, stressing that they were the driving force behind regional transformation.
The NDDC Executive Director for Projects, Sir Victor Antai, emphasized that Project HOPE was more than just a program; it was a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change, conceived under the leadership of Dr Ogbuku. Antai noted that the second phase would implement eight strategic programs, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, and a technology initiative called Mili-Tech.
The focus on technology aims to equip the youth with modern skills, enabling them to compete on a global scale and drive innovation within the Niger Delta region. Antai highlighted the urgency of transitioning from militancy to technology in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Dr Chisom Wali, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, lauded the NDDC for its collaboration with the state government and asserted that the commission’s efforts would positively impact the future of youths in the Niger Delta.
Ambassador Blessing Fubara, the resource person for Project HOPE, noted that the second phase would begin with eight quick-impact action initiatives, emphasizing the need for a robust development model in the Niger Delta region.
