Niger Delta
S’South Works Commissioners Advocate Innovative Project Financing
The need for proper planning, both in the medium and long term in order to achieve sustainable infrastructure development have been identified.
States in the South-South geo-political zone are also encouraged to explore innovative financing approach to project funding.
These statements were part of the 13-point communiqué issued recently in Port Harcourt at the end of the meeting of the South-South Commissioners of Works and signed by six Commissioners of Works in the region.
According to the communiqué, the meeting was as a result of the outcome of the South-South Economic Summit held in Calabar in April 2009.
The statement said that the Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, welcomed them on behalf the Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and charged them to muster the needed political will and commitment to actualise the agenda of the Calabar Summit.
It further stated that the summit was to enhance regional cooperation to develop infrastructure in the region and called on his colleagues to always share experience to achieve their aim.
Among others, the communiqué advocated for road construction subsidy to be funded from the Ecological Fund to check high cost of projects due to difficult terrain and adverse weather condition characterized by poor soil formation in the region.
It also encouraged state governments to provide research grants to universities in the region to meet the need for research into locally available construction materials, and commended governors of the region for identifying infrastructure as the key to the overall development of the region.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of papers of eminent scholars and an interactive session with some selected contractors and consultants.
Niger Delta
NDDC Begins N50,000 Monthly Payment To 10,000 N’Delta Youths

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday.
She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo practical, hands-on training across the various organisations for 12 months to develop critical skills.
Recall that during the inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.
According to Thompson-Wakama, the commission has successfully completed the selection process and has begun placing trainees in organisations to gain practical experience.
“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she announced.
She revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment programme.
“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves.
“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.
Thompson-Wakama explained that the scheme had enabled the commission to collate essential data, including the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of the youths in the region.
The data, she explained, would guide the commission in designing programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young people.
She disclosed that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm, to enhance the commission’s corporate governance framework.
“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focussed policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The director commended the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.
Niger Delta
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Niger Delta
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