As the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, celebrates its 25th anniversary, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday said that the Niger Delta Development Commission must steer youths in the region away from violent behaviours towards entrepreneurship through constructive engagements.
President Tinubu also charged the interventionist agency to embark on both human capital and regional development.
He stated this at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Tinubu, who the Secretary represented to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the NDDC remained central to the economic growth of the region.
He said: “Beyond infrastructure development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development, as it remains the primary index of progress. Projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in rural communities must be prioritised. In this regard, I commend the board and management for the
“Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which has not only reduced night crimes and enhanced security but has also extended trading hours and improved social life across the region.
“The NDDC must constructively engage the youths, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and legitimate means of self-development.
“This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Development to leverage the various initiatives available,” the President said.
He noted that community development was close to his heart and would remain a top priority of his administration.
He stated that the swift constitution of the NDDC board at the beginning of his administration, along with the increase in funding to the agency to meet its obligations, reflected his commitment to the region’s development.
Tinubu stressed that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway would serve as a viable alternative to the East-West Road, foster trade, and unlock tourism opportunities in the Niger Delta.
He also said he had directed that abandoned road projects in the region be completed.
Earlier, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), commended Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the region.
Ibas also described the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the political crisis in the state as a timely intervention.
Also speaking, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, said the NDDC had made significant progress in 25 years.
