President Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta to help alleviate the current economic hardships in the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities, youths, and women in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He explained that the payments would be made under the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme and would initially last for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension.
Akpabio highlighted that this initiative is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to address the region’s challenges and urged people to refrain from participating in the national protest scheduled for August 1.
“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship.
“We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues.
“The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and are already receiving the required attention,” he said.
Mr. Akpabio also mentioned that President Tinubu had approved the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project from both states, which is expected to create thousands of jobs for the region’s youths.
He stated that the upcoming national protest was organized by faceless individuals aiming to cause chaos and destruction across the country.
“There is nothing in the 10-point agenda for the national protest that addresses the interests of the Niger Delta.
“The organizers are merely imitating the situation in Kenya, disregarding the potential anarchy their protest could bring to this country.
“The issues facing the country are currently being addressed, so there is absolutely no need to protest,” he stated.
The Senate president highlighted that necessary funds were being allocated for critical projects to meet the needs and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.
He urged for patience as the federal government’s policies and programs take effect, emphasizing that one year is too short a timeframe to measure their success.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for calm and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed the immediate implementation of resolutions from the recent Niger Delta Summit to accelerate regional development.
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