A youth body under the aegis of Youth Against HIV/AIDS and Social Vices (Y.A.H.A) last week stormed the office of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Port Harcourt in a peaceful protest.
According to the president of the body, Mr. Henry Egwoh said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) promised to sponsor a programme tagged “International Merchant Navy Professional Training Programme”, when Dr. Christian Oboh was the Managing Director to empower Niger Delta youths and as a result majority of the youths in the region applied but hitherto it has not been implemented.
As the youths were chanting “All we are saying give us our rights” with placards and banners in front of the commission’s gate. Mr. George Turner, the Special Adviser to the NDDC Managing Director on Youths Affairs walked to where the youths were and requested to know the reasons why they were chanting.
The president of the youth body, Egwoh told the Special Adviser that they were there on a peaceful protest against the non-implementation of the International Merchant Navy Professional Training programme. He also added that a letter was sent to NDDC to remind them of the programme but they have not received a favoruable reply.
Mr. George Turner appreciated the youths for the protest and told them that the current Managing Director (MD) may not have seen the letter.
He promised an inquiry will be carried out based on the letter and thereafter they will be communicated for a formal meeting an asked the youth to bring a detailed proposal.
The Special Adviser added that NDDC runs on budget therefore, it is only when the budget is approved they can implement their plans.
After close to four hours consultation with the Managing Director, the Special Adviser said he has been directed by the MD to ask the youths what they really want and also disclosed to them that he (George Turner) did not have prior knowledge of their previous discussions with the former Managing Director and enjoined them to write a comprehensive proposal to NDDC through his office as directed by the Managing Director.
In response to the Special Advisers question, the youths said what they actually want is for NDDC to implement the International Merchant Navy Professional Training programme so that they can help themselves with it instead of resorting to crime because of joblessness.
The youths also used the medium to appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan and NDDC Managing Director, Sir. Bassey Dan Abia to come to their aid. ###
