Notable Niger Delta Youth Groups, Southern Youth Foundation (SYF) and Orashi National Congress (ONC), have publicly expressed their outrage and disappointment over their exclusion from the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) youth internship scheme.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Snr. Comrade Amb Emeni Ibe, President General of both the SYF and ONC, condemned the apparent marginalization of these youth groups by the NDDC.
The NDDC recently launched a youth internship scheme aimed at providing financial support to 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta region. While this initiative has been lauded as a positive step towards youth empowerment, the Southern Youth Foundation and Orashi National Congress have criticized the commission for excluding other significant youth organizations in the region from the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the SYF and ONC, Amb Emeni Ibe highlighted the unjust treatment of these groups, describing it as a clear case of discrimination.
“The Southern Youth Foundation and Orashi National Congress, representing thousands of young people in the Niger Delta, have been unjustly left out of this empowerment initiative. This is a clear case of discrimination and a violation of our rights as young people from the region,” Comrade Ibe stated.
In addition to calling for inclusion in the NDDC’s programmes, Emeni Ibe has urged his members not to participate in the planned nationwide protest on August 1st, stating that such a protest is not in the best interests of the country at this time.
“We demand equal opportunities and inclusion in the NDDC’s youth empowerment programmes. However, we also believe that the planned protest does not serve the country’s best interests. I have advised our members to refrain from participating,” he said.
Furthermore, Emeni Ibe called on the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to address the actions of the Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Matthew. He accused Mr. Matthew of deliberately excluding the Southern Youth Foundation, opinion leaders and other groups, and of frustrating efforts to support the MD’s ambitions.
“The MD of NDDC should call the SA on Youth, Matthew, to order and check his activities. He has vowed to exclude the Southern Youth Foundation and opinion leaders. He has all the while been frustrating every effort we have made to support the MD’s ambitions. Our support shouldn’t be taken for granted,” Ibe emphasized.
The SYF and ONC have vowed to continue their advocacy until all young people in the region receive fair treatment and access to the same opportunities.
“Enough is enough! It’s time for change!” concluded Ibe, urging the NDDC to take swift action.
The Niger Delta, rich in oil and natural resources, has long been a focal point for developmental efforts. However, youth groups in the area have often expressed frustration over inadequate inclusion in these initiatives. The call from the Southern Youth Foundation and Orashi National Congress adds to a growing chorus demanding greater transparency and fairness in the allocation of opportunities.