Niger Delta
Group Makes Case For Repentant Youths
As ex-militants engage in the post amnesty programme re-integrating them into the society, a call has gone to the Federal Government to announce its package for the non-violent youths of the Niger Delta who fought intellectually for the emancipation of the region.
The call was made Thursday by the National President, Youth and Conflict Resolution Initiative (YCRI), Pastor Alex Kenerekedi in an interview with The Tide in Benin City.
According to Kenerekedi, concentrating on only those who were violent in the struggle may force the non-violent youths to have a change of mind.
Pastor Kenerekedi stated that it will be in the interest of all for the federal government to evolve an initiative that would some how compensate the youths who did not take to arms during the high point of the crisis in the Niger Delta.
He explained that by so doing, non violent youths would be assured of reward for good behaviour.
Kenerekedi contended that the recent protest in Abuja allegedly by ex-militants may be the increasing number of unemployed youths who are not being carried along by the Federal Government, but were part of the struggle. He noted that every Niger Deltan contributed in one way or the other.
“We have said it before that the amnesty programmes in its entirety is a good initiative. But they should know that there are non-militant youths. What we are seeing is like the programme is giving only the militants attention.
“We have credible youth leaders who were all in the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta. We are saying that these credible youth leaders, NGOs and non-violent youths who engaged in intellectual war should benefit from the amnesty programme,” Pastor Kenerekedi said.
Ben-ose Ogbemudia, Benin
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.
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