By Our Reporter

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has given insight into its new plans on the strategies it will apply in order to meet the needs of youths and different communities in the Niger Delta region.

The plans were revealed by the NDDC Board Chairman, Lauretta Onochie, when she and a member of the Board representing the North West, Prince Sani Iko Sami, received a delegation of the Ogoni Youths Peace Movement at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

In her speech at the occasion, Onochie said: “We are determined to ensure that youths of the Niger Delta are empowered according to their needs because everyone is different. So, we are going to carry out a needs assessment to be sure of what you need. Every community is also different. So, we will meet you at your point of need.”

Explaining the importance of community engagement in the development of Niger Delta region, Onochie said, “Community engagement is key to developing the Niger Delta region. We are committed to working closely with communities in the region to identify their needs and provide the necessary support. We are also committed to ensuring that our projects are executed transparently and accountably.”

Commending the Ogoni Youths Peace Movement for their peaceful disposition, Onochie said: “I am happy that you stand for peace. That is not something Nigerians know about the Niger Delta. The late Ken Saro-Wiwa will be very proud of you because that was what he stood for. I am also very proud of you. We will support you to continue to keep the peace.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Vice President of Ogoni Youths Peace Movement, Comrade Nulai Tambari, said: “We want to bring to your notice the need for empowerment programmes and skills acquisition training for the youths and women. Most of our youths and women are peasant farmers and need to be empowered and trained to enhance their livelihoods and living standards.”

According to him: “Most social evils, like kidnapping, robbery, cultism, and bunkering, will be things of the past if NDDC considers these requests for empowerment and training.”