The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria has highlighted that the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been a pivotal force in fostering development within the Niger Delta region, particularly through its various empowerment programmes targeted at the youth and women, while equally making a case that the youths under the SYF deserve empowerment packages from the NDDC.
In a statement on Friday,
Comrade Amb Hon Prince Emeni Ibe, the National President of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, highlighted a troubling discovery—an alleged plot to exclude their organization from benefiting from vital packages of the NDDC.
The SYF said that such an exclusion, if confirmed, would not only be unacceptable but also detrimental to the aspirations and potential progress of the youths and women within the Niger Delta region.
In his passionate appeal to the NDDC management, Comrade Amb Hon Prince Emeni Ibe underscored the importance of inclusive participation in the disbursement process.
“This call for inclusivity resonates deeply with the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, representing the entirety of the Niger Delta region and the Southern States of Nigeria, seeks fair representation and involvement in the allocation of these empowerment opportunities.”
“Moreover, the commendation of the NDDC’s management for initiating this empowerment programme signifies the acknowledgment of the commendable efforts put forth by the commission in addressing the socio-economic needs of the region. However, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders remains paramount to the success and credibility of such initiatives.”
“Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of effective governance, especially in programmes aimed at empowering marginalized groups. The necessity of the NDDC’s adherence to these principles cannot be overstated. It is imperative that the relevant authorities heed this appeal being made by the SYF and intervene promptly to ensure the inclusion of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria in the disbursement processes.”
“At this critical juncture, wise counsel and a commitment to fairness must prevail. The success of the empowerment programme hinges not only on its implementation but also on the recognition and involvement of all stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits reach those who truly need and deserve them.”
In anticipation of a prompt and just intervention by the authorities concerned, it is hoped that the NDDC will address the concerns raised by the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, thereby upholding the values of inclusivity, fairness, and transparency in its empowerment endeavours for the betterment of the Niger Delta region.”