Niger Delta Youth Congress Endorses Ogbuku, Passes Vote Of Confidence On NDDC Boss

The Nigerian Youth Congress Niger Delta Chairmen’s Forum (NYC-NDCF) has passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, citing his administration’s interventions in youth empowerment, human capital development and regional infrastructure.

The forum, which comprises youth leaders from the nine Niger Delta states, said the endorsement followed an assessment of the commission’s programmes and development initiatives under Ogbuku’s leadership.

In a statement, the forum acknowledged the NDDC’s investments in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, education, innovation and economic inclusion, describing the interventions as important opportunities for young people across the region.

It specifically commended programmes such as the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, Technical and Industrial Skills Acquisition Programme, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Training, CNG Vehicle Conversion Training and postgraduate scholarship schemes.

The forum also recognised Project HOPE and the commission’s agricultural empowerment initiatives, noting their contributions to expanding economic opportunities and improving livelihoods.

Beyond youth-focused interventions, the group acknowledged the NDDC’s efforts in infrastructure delivery, community development and stakeholder engagement, particularly its collaboration with youth organisations across the region.

The youth leaders, however, stressed the importance of accountability, transparency and constructive criticism in public administration, while condemning what they described as coordinated campaigns of misinformation, character assassination and unsubstantiated allegations against public officials.

They warned that such practices could undermine democratic values, weaken public confidence in institutions and distract from substantive discussions about governance and development.

According to the forum, public officials should be assessed based on verifiable facts, measurable performance and demonstrable outcomes rather than propaganda, speculation or unsupported claims.

Citing the legal maxim Res ipsa loquitur, meaning the facts speak for themselves, the organisation maintained that the achievements recorded under Ogbuku’s administration provided grounds for its endorsement.

The forum consequently urged the NDDC managing director to sustain ongoing reforms, strengthen youth-oriented programmes and expand development interventions across the nine Niger Delta states.

It also reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the commission in promoting peace, youth participation, community development, skills acquisition and sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

The statement was signed by representatives of the Nigerian Youth Congress in the nine Niger Delta states.

The signatories include Comrade (Barr.) Aniekan Etim, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State; Comrade Godfrey Kanu, Acting Chairman, Abia State; Comrade Kenneth Jacob, Chairman, Bayelsa State; Comrade Francis Finian Offionor, Chairman, Cross River State; and Comrade Christian Emegere, Chairman, Delta State.

Others are Comrade (Barr.) Wisdom Osaro Isaac, Chairman, Edo State; Comrade Prince Ugochukwu Stanley Nze, Chairman, Imo State; Comrade Adebayo Lawrence, Chairman, Ondo State; and Comrade Sheriff Ogonda Ekwo, Chairman, Rivers State.