Senate President Godswill Akpabio and youth leaders in the Niger Delta region have jointly declared the area a protest-free zone.
This declaration comes as the region launches an internship scheme for 10,000 youths, aimed at improving their skills and providing monthly stipends of N50,000.
The internship scheme, initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, is part of efforts to address the socio-economic challenges facing the region.
According to Akpabio, the scheme is designed to empower youths and women, and is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations during economic challenges.
Akpabio also highlighted the NDDC’s recent projects in the region, including the inauguration of five flagship projects covering roads, bridges, and electricity, according to TheNation.
He assured that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would commence simultaneously from Lagos and the Niger Delta, and that the Commission would receive its full statutory allocations henceforth.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the empowerment initiatives as revolutionary, saying they mark a transition from militant agitation to intellectual struggle in the region. He commended President Tinubu’s administration for approving the scheme, demonstrating empathy and commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations.
The declaration of the Niger Delta region as a protest-free zone and the launch of the youth internship scheme are seen as positive steps towards addressing the region’s challenges and promoting development.
Akpabio said: “Give Tinubu a chance to deliver on his policies and some people ask how long and I tell them even if you have to take all the time it took you to get to this point.
“Actions are being taken by the government to do everything possible to meet the needs of the people because we recognise the difficult times.
“So, as the Senate president I want to appeal to all Nigerian Youths to give this administration an opportunity for most of the policies to mature.
“So the whispers of our nation is already receiving attention. The economic challenges are known to the president because all of us feel the impact of what is happening now.
“We acknowledged the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region have done immeasurable damage to our community it reshaped our lives, our economy and environment, so we must expedite actions to address those concomitant socio-economic issue that has arisen as a consequence.
“Be rest assured that the Tinubu administration will release the necessary funds for critical projects in the Niger Delta region. I will ensure that the needs of our people and dreams are realised.”
