By Ikenna Orioha
The youths of the Niger Delta, Imo State, have called on the Board Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to empower them meaningfully for the overall interest of the region.
This demand was made by the Owerri Zone President of Niger Delta Youths, Hon. Okereke Godson Bishop, on behalf of the youth leaders in the Niger Delta region, in a speech during the NDDC 2025 International Youth Conference, held in Owerri yesterday.
Okereke pointed out that when the youths, who he described as catalysts for positive change, are adequately empowered economically, poverty, vulnerability, crime, and insecurity will reduce drastically in the state and the nine NDDC states at large.
Appreciating the Board of NDDC’s efforts in infrastructural development of the region, Okereke appealed to the Board Management to consider the plight and vulnerability of the youths and empower them accordingly.
He said the youths’ economic capacity will help their political structures in the reelection of President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Imo State representative in NDDC, Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu, to empower the youths, they also noted that it is not within his powers to approve substantial empowerment that can drive economic growth and stability in the Niger Delta region. The Board of NDDC is expected to facilitate a proactive empowerment program that is sustainable for the youths.
On behalf of the youths, Okereke appreciated His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for constituting a proactive Governing Council of NDDC, adding that the feat has strengthened the commission in meeting the needs of the people, who, he said, desire better living conditions as the hub of Nigeria’s economic stability.
Also, the youths thanked the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for empowering them via state and national appointments, skills training on technology, health insurance, among others.
“Additionally, the youths of the Niger Delta region still maintain their stand against pipeline vandalism and oil theft and have intensified the fight against criminality in the region. We will boycott any NDDC event that is not targeted to empower the youths meaningfully,” they maintained.
