The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has trained 500 young men and women in financial prudence and distributed 150 minibuses and 200 tricycles to beneficiaries in Cross River State as part of its empowerment programme.
A statement issued by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said the initiative was aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment and improving the economic wellbeing of youths in the state.
Speaking during the Skills Acquisition and Capacity Enhancement Programme in Calabar, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the programme demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs. Lyna Okara, stated that the empowerment programme was not just about distributing vehicles and grants, but about creating opportunities and restoring hope for the people.
He noted that the Commission had continued to execute impactful projects in Cross River State aimed at reducing poverty, boosting local economic activities and creating employment opportunities for residents.
The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, said the Commission had fulfilled its promise to the people and urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and support others in society.
Antai, represented by the Director of the NDDC Cross River State Office, Dr. Daniel Ajunwa, also called on residents to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, which he said made the empowerment programme possible.
Speaking during the distribution of the minibuses and tricycles at the U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, pledged his commitment to poverty reduction through job creation and provision of basic amenities.
He advised beneficiaries to utilise the skills acquired and grants effectively, while also maintaining the vehicles properly to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
A stakeholder in the state, Hon. Edet Bassey, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, and urged the NDDC to sustain such interventions.
In a related development, the NDDC also trained another 500 youths in financial prudence and business management and supported them with take-off grants.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Solomon Olatunji thanked the Commission for the gesture and promised that the opportunity would be used productively.
One of the tricycle beneficiaries, Essien Ufiok, expressed gratitude to the NDDC and pledged to use the tricycle to improve his livelihood.
Similarly, Arit Akpo, a beneficiary of one of the minibuses, thanked President Tinubu, the NDDC and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for the empowerment support, promising to make good use of the vehicle.
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