Youth Empowerment Top of NDDC Agenda – Onochie

 By Gabriel Choba

In fulfillment of the development aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for the Niger Delta region, the newly inaugurated Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) ably led by Mrs Lauretta Onochie has set the agenda for the board.

Onochie in her inaugural address, vowed to attend to the critical problems of youth joblessness which have fueled crisis for the region. Having an estimated 70% of youth population with a median age of 18 years, Nigeria and the Niger Delta region is faced with insecurity, inequality, unemployment and high inflation.

The troubling challenge of the youth bulge is at a critical and frightening stage that needs urgent intervention. The youthful age is the period where energy is strong and If nothing is done to positively engage this energy to productive use,  it can be dysfunctional alter or misuse for disruptive purpose.

The NDDC Chairman advanced the quest to empower youth to skillful training and entrepreneurship development to facilitate a viable Niger Delta economy. She reiterate that the board should be given adequate space to work for the interest of the region.

Onochie also addressed the regulatory role of the commission to monitor oil and gas activities of firms operating in the region while observing and protecting an eco-friendly environment that is sustainable. In anticipation for public service delivery, she enjoined Nigerians and the Niger Deltans to support the commission and it’s objective of driving the desired development.