NDDC inspects ongoing skills acquisition, empowerment training in Rivers
Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing training of 1,000 individuals from the Niger Delta region in various vocational skills. The training, facilitated by the non-governmental organisation Victorious Prayer Network (also known as King Makers Ministries), aims to empower youths, teenagers, men, women, and widows.
The participants are being equipped with skills in catering, tailoring, barbering, information and communication technology (ICT), hairdressing, electrical work, videography, and photography. Other areas of training include beadwork and gele tying, shoemaking, and the production of disinfectants, liquid soap, detergents, and perfume.
During an unannounced visit to the training centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Barrister Lyna Okara, NDDC’s Director of Skills Development, commended the initiative. The visit was aimed at assessing the progress of the NDDC-funded empowerment programme.
Represented by the Director of Commercial and Industrial Development at NDDC, Mr Anderson Ukeh, Okara praised the efforts of the organisation’s leader, Prophetess Victoria Ebi Agori.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment, under the leadership of Board Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to fostering human capacity development, empowering young people, and transforming the narrative of the Niger Delta.
“We are from the CID Skills Acquisition department of the NDDC, and we are here to assess the programme and explore potential collaboration with your centre,” Okara stated.
“We are greatly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of participants in acquiring diverse skills. In today’s world, possessing vocational skills can be a reliable means of livelihood. Regardless of one’s level of formal education, learning a trade provides financial security and sustainability. We are pleased with the remarkable work being done here.”
Prophetess Victoria Ebi Agori, Founder of Victorious Prayer Network, expressed gratitude for NDDC’s role in youth empowerment and regional development. She particularly commended Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku and Dr Lyna Okara for their unwavering support and partnership in the three-month skills acquisition programme, now in its second edition.
Agori also urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard calls for Dr Ogbuku’s removal, describing such demands as the work of individuals who do not have the best interests of the Niger Delta at heart.
“Ogbuku has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the progress of the Niger Delta and its people,” she stated.
She further commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Ogbuku and for ensuring he serves his full tenure as Managing Director of NDDC. Agori recalled that her organisation, alongside other Niger Delta women, had organised prayers and protests against attempts to remove him from office.
“Two weeks ago, we gathered here with other women from the Niger Delta to intercede on behalf of the MD. We are aware that some individuals are seeking his removal, but their efforts will not succeed.
“Chief Ogbuku is a blessing to the people of the Niger Delta. This skills acquisition programme alone, sponsored by the MD and NDDC, is benefiting 1,000 widows, orphans, pastors, and other vulnerable individuals.
“Beyond this, there are numerous other transformative projects, including youth empowerment initiatives, human capacity development, infrastructure projects, solar-powered streetlights, and solar-powered water facilities across the region. All of these are made possible by Dr Ogbuku and the NDDC.”
Prophetess Agori further claimed to have received a divine revelation regarding the 2027 elections, stating that President Tinubu would secure a second term.
“It seems there is an unseen force within the NDDC that constantly seeks to undermine even the most effective Managing Directors, preventing them from completing their tenures. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has broken this cycle by ensuring that Chief Samuel Ogbuku serves his full term.
“Despite criticism, God has revealed that Asiwaju will be re-elected in 2027 and will complete his eight years in office as Nigeria’s President.”
Agori concluded by urging all stakeholders to support NDDC’s developmental agenda, reiterating that the Commission remains committed to empowering the people of the Niger Delta and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
