The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the first phase of its novel programme, Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, also known as Project HOPE, with training of supervisors and collation officers.

Speaking during the flag off of the training at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said that the Commission would ensure that the youths were equipped with skills to get them gainfully engaged.

The NDDC Boss, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr. Godwin Nosiri, noted: “We are blessed to have a management who has the interest of the Niger Delta youths at heart. Today marks the commencement of a value-packed three-day training.

“Our aim is to have a Niger Delta where the NDDC is truly making a difference. A Niger Delta where our youths are self-reliant and progressive to ensure that there is peace in the region for development to thrive.

“The facilitator is also a youth from the Niger Delta. This programme was packaged over the years before he was able to get management buy-in. Today, we have a management that listens. I want you to give him every possible support. You will benefit at the end of the training.”

In his own remarks, the Deputy Director, Media Relations, Dr. Tony Omah, charged participants to abide by the rules and regulations pertaining to the training noting that it would contribute to the success of the exercise.

Giving a background to the training, the facilitator of the programme, Ambassador Blessing Fubara noted that: “Project HOPE is a deliberate action by the NDDC to proffer sustainable solutions for youth engagements and regional development.

“The project is divided into two phases. The first being to reassure us of the sincerity of purpose and delivery from the NDDC by creating a parameter for programme selection and implementation; and training over 200 supervisors and collation officers.

“When these participants are deployed after the training, the first phase of the project would be done. This would usher us into the second phase which entails identifying potentials, engaging, and training 10,000 youths in local governments and rural areas of the Niger Delta. As you can see, NDDC is investing in the future of our region.”

•PHOTO: L-R; The NDDC Deputy Director, Media Relations, Dr. Tony Omah; Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr. Godwin Nosiri, and the facilitator of Project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, during the flag off of the training at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology, ICT, Centre in Port Harcourt.

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