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NDDC Registers 3.2 Million Youths for Project HOPE

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

In his speech, Ogbuku explained that Project HOPE was designed to tackle critical challenges faced by young people in the region, particularly in the areas of employment and opportunities for meaningful engagement. “Project HOPE was initiated to address critical challenges faced by the youth, particularly in employment and opportunities for meaningful engagement,” he said. He highlighted that the first phase focused primarily on creating a digital platform for data collection and analysis, which has now laid the foundation for more effective implementation of the program.

The second phase of Project HOPE is set to introduce eight targeted programs aimed at job creation and youth empowerment across various sectors, including agriculture and technology. Ogbuku stressed the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders, calling on government agencies, private sector participants, international partners, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to join efforts in advancing the project. He urged Niger Delta youths to approach the opportunities with enthusiasm, emphasizing that they are the driving force behind the region’s transformation.

Ogbuku also addressed a common criticism of past empowerment initiatives, where political interests often influenced participant selection, resulting in individuals who lacked genuine interest in the programs. He assured that participants in Project HOPE would be chosen based on their interests and passions. Additionally, a robust monitoring system would be implemented to track the progress of participants throughout the duration of the program.

NDDC Executive Director for Projects, Sir Victor Antai, described Project HOPE as more than just a program, but as a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change. He highlighted the importance of the second phase, which will include initiatives in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and a technology-focused initiative called Mili-Tech. “The second phase will implement eight strategic programs, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, and technology,” Antai explained, emphasizing that the technology focus is aimed at equipping youth with modern skills to compete globally.

Antai also underscored the urgent need to transition from militancy to technology in a rapidly digitizing world, with training programs covering areas such as structured cabling, data analysis, animation, and software development. “This initiative will provide global opportunities for participants, allowing them to become drivers of innovation within the region,” he said. Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Wali, praised the NDDC’s collaboration with the state government and expressed optimism that the project would have a positive impact on the future of youths in the Niger Delta.

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Ambassador Blessing Fubara, the resource person for Project HOPE, also commented on the second phase, noting that it would begin with eight quick-impact initiatives. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive development model to address the challenges of the Niger Delta region, ensuring sustainable growth and empowerment for the youth.

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