NDDC to Empower 10,000 Niger Delta Youths: Important Details

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched an exciting opportunity for 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region. The life-changing initiative by the NDDC aims to equip young people with skills and knowledge to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.  This programme offers young, talented individuals a platform to acquire practical experience, develop essential skills, and contribute to the development of their communities.

The Niger Delta region, rich in resources but plagued by underdevelopment, has long struggled with youth unemployment and economic instability. Recognising the critical need to equip its youth with skills and opportunities, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) launched a groundbreaking Internship scheme aimed at training and empowering 10,000 youths across the region. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering sustainable development and reducing the unemployment rate among the region's youth.

Objectives of the NDDC Internship Scheme

The NDDC Internship Scheme is a twelve-month programme designed to provide unemployed and/or unemployed Niger Delta youths with valuable work experience. It covers a wide range of sectors, including technology, agriculture, arts and music, and marine. Interns receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 to support their living expenses during the programme.  The programme is designed with several key objectives, including:

 1. Skill Acquisition:

The primary goal is to provide youths with practical skills that are in high demand across various industries. This includes technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to thrive in the modern job market.

 2. Employment Opportunities:

By bridging the gap between education and employment, the scheme aims to enhance the employability of participants. It also seeks to create direct employment opportunities through partnerships with private sector organisations and industries within and beyond the Niger Delta region.

 3. Entrepreneurial Development:

Beyond employment, the scheme encourages entrepreneurship among the youth. Participants receive training in business development, financial management, and innovative thinking, empowering them to start their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.

4. Social Stability:

Unemployment has been a significant contributor to social unrest in the Niger Delta. By providing meaningful engagement and economic opportunities, the internship scheme helps to reduce the potential for youth involvement in criminal activities and militancy.

Structure and Implementation

 The NDDC Internship Scheme is structured to be both comprehensive and inclusive. Here is a breakdown of how it is implemented:

1. Selection Process:

The scheme targets youths from all nine states of the Niger Delta, ensuring broad regional representation. Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process that includes aptitude tests, interviews, and background checks to identify those who are most likely to benefit from the programme.

2. Training Modules:

The internship is divided into various training modules tailored to different sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, information technology, and small-scale manufacturing. Each module is designed to provide hands-on experience complemented by theoretical knowledge.

3. Mentorship and Support:

Participants are paired with industry professionals who serve as mentors, guiding them through the intricacies of their chosen fields. Additionally, the NDDC provides ongoing support in the form of stipends, materials, and access to resources that facilitate learning and skill acquisition.

 4. Partnerships:

The success of the scheme is largely dependent on strategic partnerships with private companies, NGOs, and educational institutions. These partners provide training facilities, employment opportunities, and technical expertise, ensuring that the programme meets industry standards and addresses the specific needs of the job market.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 45 years old
• Reside in one of the Niger Delta states (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers)
• Have at least a secondary school certificate
• Have NIN

Application Process: How to Apply

Applying for the NDDC Internship Scheme is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Applicants should start by visiting the NDDC official website or the specific portal for the internship scheme.
2. Click on "Register Now", and supply your Name, valid e-mail address and phone number.
3. Open your e-mail to retrieve the registration code that will be automatically sent to you.
4. Use the unique code that will be sent to you to fill out the online application. Ensure that all required fields are completed correctly.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Applicants will need to upload relevant documents, such as a recent passport photograph, valid identification card and certificate of origin.
6. Verify with your NIN
7. Print application confirmation and
8. Hope or the best

Related Opportunities

• PINDFoundation: 2024 YEP Vocational Skills Training
• NDDCHOPE Project for Youth Empowerment in the Niger Delta

Expected Outcomes and Impact

The NDDC Internship Scheme is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the Niger Delta region:

1. Reduction in Unemployment:

With 10,000 youths trained and equipped with marketable skills, the scheme is poised to significantly reduce unemployment in the region. Graduates of the programme are expected to secure employment in various sectors or establish their businesses, contributing to the region's economic growth.

2. Economic Diversification:

By focusing on a wide range of industries, the scheme supports the diversification of the Niger Delta economy. This reduces the region's dependence on oil and gas, fostering a more resilient and sustainable economic landscape.

3. Improved Social Stability:

Engaging youths in productive activities helps to reduce the likelihood of social unrest. As more young people gain employment or start their own businesses, the region is likely to experience improved social stability and a decline in crime rates.

4. Regional Development:

The skills and expertise gained through the internship programme will contribute to the overall development of the Niger Delta. As participants return to their communities with new skills and knowledge, they will play a key role in driving local development initiatives and improving the standard of living.

 Challenges and the Way Forward

While the NDDC Internship Scheme holds great promise, it is not without challenges. The success of the programme depends on sustained funding, effective coordination, ensuring that the programme targets only the right person with hunger and zeal to improve their skills, not used as a tool for political settlements, and the continued cooperation of all stakeholders. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the programme meets its objectives and adapts to the changing needs of the job market.

Moving forward, the NDDC and its partners must remain committed to the scheme's long-term success. This includes scaling up the programme to accommodate more youth, expanding the range of training modules, and enhancing support for participants who choose to pursue entrepreneurship.

 Conclusion

The NDDC Internship Scheme for 10,000 Niger Delta youths is a vital initiative that addresses some of the region's most pressing challenges. By providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, the programme not only reduces unemployment but also contributes to the broader goals of economic diversification and social stability. As the scheme continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform the Niger Delta into a region of innovation, growth, and sustainable development.

FAQs

What is the NDDC Internship Scheme?

The NDDC Internship Scheme is a twelve-month program designed to provide unemployed Niger Delta youths with valuable work experience. It covers a wide range of sectors, including technology, agriculture, arts and music, and marine. Interns receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 to support their living expenses during the programme.

How much is registration?

REGISTRATION IS FREE (100%). No third party needed. Just visit the registration portal to begin your registration now

When is the Registration closing?

Registration closes August 31, 2024.