President Bola Tinubu has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to deepen its role in transforming the region by channeling the energies of its youth away from violence and militancy and into productive ventures such as entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the grand finale of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized that building human capital must take center stage in the Commission’s agenda.
“Beyond roads and bridges, what defines real progress is people. The NDDC must become a catalyst for youth empowerment, driving them towards innovation, self-reliance, and constructive engagement,” the president stated.
He stressed that the administration remains firmly committed to youth development and urged the Commission to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Development to scale up access to existing federal initiatives.
“The future of the Niger Delta lies in its people, especially the youth. We must invest in their skills, talents, and dreams—not just to reduce restiveness, but to build a region that thrives on peace and productivity,” Tinubu added.
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Reflecting on his administration’s efforts, Tinubu pointed to the swift reconstitution of the NDDC board shortly after assuming office and the increased funding allocation to the agency as evidence of his government’s dedication to the region’s transformation.
Community development, he said, would continue to occupy a central place in national planning. “It’s not just about policy—it’s personal,” he remarked.
The event, which drew key stakeholders from across the South-South, marked a quarter-century of the NDDC’s efforts in regional development, though the Commission has often come under scrutiny over transparency and effectiveness.
As the agency looks ahead, the call from the presidency signals a renewed focus on shifting from infrastructure alone to holistic regional rejuvenation—rooted in education, empowerment, and enterprise.