NDDC boosts empowerment programmes for youths, women of Niger Delta
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr. Nsima Ekere, has said that the commission would continue to boost empowerment programmes as a means of building the capacity of youths and engaging them in meaningful economic activities.
Mr. Ekere who said this during the presentation of empowerment items to women and youths at the launching of the Obi Francis Nwaoboshi Foundation, (OFNF) at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Delta State, enjoined the recipients of the empowerment items to use them judiciously to improve their lives and the lives of those around them, according to a press statement issued by the commission, and signed by Mr. Chijioke Amunnadi, Head of Corporate Affairs.
According to the NDDC boss who was represented by Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, the commission’s Executive Director of Projects, “This is a good opportunity for the people of Delta State, particularly those from Delta North Senatorial District. I believe recipients of the different items will be able to put them to good use.”
He underlined the importance of youths in the socio-economic and political development of any country, assuring that the Commission would continue to initiate programmes that would equip them for sustainable development.
While presenting the items, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer charged the beneficiaries to remain focused and direct their energies to productive ventures.
Speaking at the ocassion, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, lauded the initiative of Senator Nwaoboshi, stating that the foundation set up in memory of his father would not only empower the youths of the Delta North Senatorial District, but would also help cushion the effect of the current economic recession in the country.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, founder of the OFNF and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta,said that the programme was aimed at identifying and empowering the youths with a view to positioning them for economic independence and social stability.
The Senator who represents Delta North Senatorial District said he was giving his people the leverage which would place them on the part of “economic regeneration and entrepreneurial capitalization.”
“On the whole, I have set out the sum of N150, 000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) to empower my senatorial district and help infuse hope where there is despair, joy where there is sadness, and prosperity where there is poverty, commencing with the sharing of 1,000 bags of rice, to the distribution of 98 motorcycles, 9 tricycle (Keke Napep), sharing of N50, 000 each to 400 people to the tune of N20 million naira,” he said.
He remarked that the holy book enjoined people to be their brother’s keeper, adding: “The parable of the Good Samaritan also teaches us to take care of our neighbour. As a catholic, I am conscious of the fact that this is the year of mercy and we must engage in corporal works of mercy by sharing whatever we have with others. As a politician, I am also an apostle of stomach infrastructures.”
