The Niger Delta Development Commission has launched a N30 billion fund to support young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement released on Saturday, the NDDC revealed that the funds will be channeled through the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture to support the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in the region.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed the establishment of the N30 billion fund aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta during a recent interview.

Ogbuku emphasized the NDDC’s dedication to empowering youths through economic initiatives, including training programs and support for Small and Medium Enterprises.

He underscored the importance of verifying and documenting support for genuine businesses, emphasizing that while the government cannot employ everyone, it is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.

He also highlighted the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, designed to equip youths with practical skills by linking them with organizations for on-the-job training, further fostering self-reliance and economic growth in the Niger Delta.

“The consultant managing the application process is working to streamline entries and ensure a coordinated launch of the various skill areas by January 2025,” the statement added.

According to the NDDC, successful applicants for the initiative will be notified soon.

The program is designed to foster economic growth and peace in the Niger Delta by engaging youths in meaningful ventures and promoting entrepreneurship through structured support facilitated by the NDCCITMA.

The NDDC has consistently implemented various empowerment programs over the years.

For instance, in April 2024, the Commission announced its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for applicants from the Niger Delta region for the 2024/2025 academic session, aimed at enhancing human capital development and providing opportunities for advanced education.

In a statement on its website, the NDDC explained that the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme aims to boost human resource development in the Niger Delta.

The program is designed to equip young people with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Federal Government’s local content program, while also enabling them to specialize in their fields of study and compete globally in various professional disciplines.