A New Era of Empowerment in the Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has expressed its appreciation for the Federal Government’s efforts in implementing various training and empowerment programs aimed at the youth in the Niger Delta region. These initiatives have been seen as a significant step towards fostering development and reducing crime in the area.
Recognition of Government Efforts
The National President of NDYM, Comrade Major Ekene, highlighted that the Federal Government’s youth intervention programs have played a crucial role in curbing criminal activities within the region. The group credits these programs with a noticeable decline in militancy, youth unrest, crude oil theft, and other forms of economic sabotage. According to the movement, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has brought about positive changes that have never been experienced by the youths of the region before.
Impact of Training Programs
The NDYM also acknowledged the Ministry of Regional Development for executing the initiatives of the Tinubu administration, which have enabled many youths to undergo life-changing skills acquisition trainings. The statement from the group emphasized the importance of these programs in shaping the future of the youth in the Niger Delta.
Commitment to Development
The statement reads: “The Niger Delta Youth Movement, the umbrella body of all youth in the region, deeply appreciates the Ministry of Regional Development for its pragmatic training programmes. We pledge our unalloyed solidarity to the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidency for the genuine development policies, projects and programmes for the youths, women and the elderly.”
Entrepreneurship and Mentorship
The youths are particularly enthusiastic about the training, orientation, and empowerment programs led by Engr. Abubakar Momoh’s ministry of Regional Development. The theoretical and practical knowledge of entrepreneurship and mentorship programs offered by experienced scholars is considered a vital approach to fostering growth and self-reliance among the youth.
Success Stories
Reports indicate that some youths have already started their own businesses, such as fish farming, palm oil/palm kernel production, piggery, and cooperative societies. These ventures are helping them move towards self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Looking Ahead
As the NDYM looks forward to the 2025 training and empowerment programs, they urge the youths to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship. Proper and methodological empowerment of the youths is seen as a key factor in reducing crime and criminality, including crude oil theft and economic sabotage.