President Bola Tinubu on Saturday emphasized that the Niger Delta Development Commission must guide the region’s youths away from violent tendencies and militancy by encouraging entrepreneurship through meaningful engagements.
He made the call during the grand finale of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu described the NDDC as vital to the economic advancement of the region.
He said, “Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development as it remains the primary index of progress.”
He stressed that “The NDDC must constructively engage the youths, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and legitimate means of self-development.”
The President added that “This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Development to leverage the various initiatives available.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots progress, highlighting his swift formation of the NDDC board and increased funding as signs of dedication to regional development.
He also pointed out that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project would not only provide an alternative to the East-West Road but also boost trade and tourism in the Niger Delta.
He further revealed that he had instructed the completion of abandoned road projects across the region.
In his remarks, Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), praised Tinubu’s dedication to the Niger Delta, particularly his prompt response to the political crisis in the state.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, also noted that the NDDC had achieved significant milestones in its 25 years of existence.