NDDC DISBURSES N5 BILLION TO BOOST WOMEN AND YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGER DELTA
BUSINESS - Posted on: 15th Jul. 2025 at 7:14PM
Written by Ifeoluwa Onigbanjo
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has disbursed N5 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in support of a major skills training initiative aimed at empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship development across the region.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, during a ceremony commemorating the Commission’s 25th anniversary and a special women and youth conference held in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday.
According to Ogbuku, the funds are targeted at equipping participants with the practical skills necessary to enhance their socio-economic status. He noted that the NDDC has shifted its focus from transactional interventions to transformational projects that prioritize sustainable development, especially for women and children in the Niger Delta.
“This shift aims to create lasting impact and improve the lives of Niger Delta residents,” Ogbuku stated, adding that the Commission is now more committed to building enduring structures that address long-term community needs.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Commission to prioritize agriculture in its next phase of development. As part of this initiative, a mini agricultural summit and retreat will soon be convened to develop a comprehensive roadmap for agricultural growth in the region.
Ogbuku urged women and youths to take full advantage of the Commission’s skill acquisition programmes, emphasizing that such opportunities are vital tools for addressing socio-economic challenges. He assured that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, will continue to monitor the Commission’s activities closely to ensure meaningful and impactful outcomes.
The event also served as a platform to engage with stakeholders and educate participants on the achievements of the NDDC over the past 25 years. Ogbuku revealed that the Commission is embracing digital transformation to enhance efficiency, assuring that all entitled beneficiaries will soon receive pending payments.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ekomaru, lauded the NDDC for its remarkable contributions to the development of schools, hospitals, markets, and essential infrastructure in the region. He called for greater collaboration between the Commission and the state government on key projects such as flood control, rural electrification, and the dredging of the Urashi River.
“This partnership would further enhance the development of the region and improve the lives of its residents,” Ekomaru said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, the NDDC Commissioner representing Imo State, encouraged continued collaboration with the state government, particularly in youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across the Niger Delta, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to inclusive growth and the upliftment of communities through strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
Written by Ifeoluwa OnigbanjoThe Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has disbursed N5 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in support of a major skills training initiative aimed at empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship development across the region.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, during a ceremony commemorating the Commission’s 25th anniversary and a special women and youth conference held in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday.
According to Ogbuku, the funds are targeted at equipping participants with the practical skills necessary to enhance their socio-economic status. He noted that the NDDC has shifted its focus from transactional interventions to transformational projects that prioritize sustainable development, especially for women and children in the Niger Delta.
“This shift aims to create lasting impact and improve the lives of Niger Delta residents,” Ogbuku stated, adding that the Commission is now more committed to building enduring structures that address long-term community needs.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Commission to prioritize agriculture in its next phase of development. As part of this initiative, a mini agricultural summit and retreat will soon be convened to develop a comprehensive roadmap for agricultural growth in the region.
Ogbuku urged women and youths to take full advantage of the Commission’s skill acquisition programmes, emphasizing that such opportunities are vital tools for addressing socio-economic challenges. He assured that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, will continue to monitor the Commission’s activities closely to ensure meaningful and impactful outcomes.
The event also served as a platform to engage with stakeholders and educate participants on the achievements of the NDDC over the past 25 years. Ogbuku revealed that the Commission is embracing digital transformation to enhance efficiency, assuring that all entitled beneficiaries will soon receive pending payments.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ekomaru, lauded the NDDC for its remarkable contributions to the development of schools, hospitals, markets, and essential infrastructure in the region. He called for greater collaboration between the Commission and the state government on key projects such as flood control, rural electrification, and the dredging of the Urashi River.
“This partnership would further enhance the development of the region and improve the lives of its residents,” Ekomaru said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, the NDDC Commissioner representing Imo State, encouraged continued collaboration with the state government, particularly in youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across the Niger Delta, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to inclusive growth and the upliftment of communities through strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
Posted by: Emdee David
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