President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to intensify efforts in guiding youths in the region away from violence and militancy, encouraging them instead to embrace entrepreneurship and positive engagements that foster personal growth and regional stability.
The President made this call on Saturday during the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu emphasized that the NDDC plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Niger Delta and remains central to the region’s economic advancement.
Highlighting the importance of youth empowerment, Tinubu urged the NDDC to place human capital development at the forefront of its mission. He stated, “Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development as it remains the primary index of progress. The NDDC must constructively engage the youths, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and legitimate means of self-development.”
The President reiterated his administration’s strong focus on youth empowerment and called on the NDDC to forge partnerships with the Ministry of Youth and Development. According to him, such collaborations would enable the Commission to tap into existing government-led initiatives tailored toward empowering the youth across the country.
Further speaking on his administration’s vision for the region, Tinubu reaffirmed his personal commitment to community development, describing it as a top priority under his leadership. He noted that the prompt formation of the NDDC board at the start of his administration, along with increased financial backing for the agency, clearly underscored his determination to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta.
Tinubu also spoke about critical infrastructure projects within the region. He described the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a transformative development, which, in addition to serving as a viable alternative to the East-West Road, would greatly enhance commercial activities and stimulate tourism growth in the Niger Delta. The President further directed that all abandoned road construction projects across the region be revived and completed without delay.
At the event, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), applauded President Tinubu’s administration for its steadfast dedication to improving the fortunes of the Niger Delta. Ibas also commended Tinubu’s intervention in the state’s recent political crisis, describing the move as both timely and effective.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, praised the NDDC’s achievements over the past 25 years. He noted that the Commission had made substantial progress in its developmental goals, and expressed optimism that the coming years would witness even greater achievements in regional transformation and youth-focused programs.
The 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC served not only as a moment of reflection on past achievements but also as a platform to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable growth in the Niger Delta through strategic initiatives.
What You Should Know
President Tinubu has tasked the Niger Delta Development Commission with playing a more active role in youth empowerment by steering young people away from militancy and towards entrepreneurship.
Speaking through SGF George Akume at the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, he emphasized human capital development, infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway, and increased government funding as part of his broader plan to ensure long-term progress in the Niger Delta.
