The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says its latest empowerment initiative is aimed at creating employment opportunities for youths, promoting entrepreneurship and reducing social vices in the region.
The empowerment intervention includes distribution of 200 tricycles, 150 mini buses and a ₦250,000 grant to 500 beneficiaries in the southern senatorial district of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Arit Agbor from Akamkpa local government area, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for the intervention, which she described as timely.
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“I am very happy. I was looking for money to put into my crayfish business, considering that crayfish has become very expensive. This will help me and others become financially independent and support our families,” she stated amid joyful years.
The senator representing Cross River southern senatorial district, Asuquo Ekpenyong, who facilitated the programme in collaboration with the NDDC and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the vehicles rather than sell them.
Ekpenyong said: “We are here to train our young men and women on skills acquisition, give grants to support businesses and also empower our people with capital items ranging from minibuses to Keke Napep.
“All these were made possible through support from agencies at the federal level. I plead with beneficiaries not to sell these items. Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg,” the Senator pleaded.
Speaking further, Senator Ekpenyong said the empowerment programme was part of broader efforts to complement the developmental strides of Governor Bassey Otu and expand economic opportunities for residents of the state.
The Executive Director, Projects in the NDDC represented by a Cross River State Director, Daniel Ajunwa, said the programme was designed to productively engage young people and improve livelihoods at the grassroots.
He noted that the initiative reflected the commitment of NDDC and partner agencies to sustainable development and economic inclusion in the Niger Delta region.
Stakeholder Recommendations
On beneficiary selection, the Director of Commercial and Industrialisation in NDDC, Linda Okara, hinted that beneficiaries were selected through stakeholder recommendations to ensure transparency and grassroots participation.
She reiterated the commission’s dedication to initiatives that support self-reliance and long-term economic growth among youths in the Niger Delta.
The beneficiaries were selected from seven local government areas including Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Odukpani, which constitute the southern senatorial district of Cross River State.
