NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Disregard False List Of Beneficiaries

 

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to certain lists circulating in the social media, purportedly representing selected beneficiaries of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.

The fraudsters spreading false information about the youth internship scheme are also demanding personal information and payment of an acceptance fee.

In statement on Tuesday signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama stressed that the NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme.

We wish to clarify that no such list has been collated, approved or released and any claim to the contrary is false. Those who registered for the scheme should note that the process of selection is on-going.

The final list of beneficiaries will be drawn from the NDDC’s official database and only those that were duly registered between August 5, 2024, when the registration was formally launched and August 31, 2024, when it closed, will be considered.

We advise members of the public, especially our youths who are eagerly waiting for the completion of the selection process, to ignore any unauthorised list and seek information only from the NDDC official channels.

We assure all our stakeholders that we remain committed to transparency and fairness in all our activities, including our youth empowerment programmes.

It is indeed disconcerting that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are seeking ways of being gainfully engaged in legitimate activities. In the light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youths to be wary of these scammers.

Meanwhile the NDDC noted that for inquiries about its empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng] and social media handles.

Senator Banigo advocates for global Health standards, technological integration in Nigeria

Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and a member of the ECOWAS Parliament has advocated for Nigeria to adopt international best practices to enhance its medical sector. 

Senator Banigo shared this perspective following her participation in the Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Health Committee in Conakry, Guinea, where the role of telecommunications and information technology in promoting health services across the ECOWAS region was a key focus.

In a statement made available to media, Senator Banigo underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of embracing global standards to strengthen the nation’s health system.

Reflecting on the recent discussions, Senator Banigo explained that the critical issue of technology in healthcare was also a central theme at the 5th Legislative Health Summit, which she hosted in her capacity as Chair of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary). 

“It marked the first comprehensive discussion on this issue in the Nigerian Health sector, paving the way for unlocking the full potential of telemedicine as a valuable means of delivering health education and improving our healthcare outcomes in achieving Universal Health Coverage.” She noted.

Senator Banigo disclosed that as part of efforts to promote health services within the ECOWAS region, the committee visited two tertiary hospitals in Conakry, Guinea the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and the National Hospital Donka. She highlighted the importance of these visits in assessing best practices that could be adapted to improve Nigeria's health system.

At the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, a 400-bed facility staffed by 300 health professionals and originally built in 1902, Senator Banigo was struck by the well-maintained condition of the hospital, despite its age. 

“What struck me was that despite the hospital's age, it appeared well-maintained, neat, and clean,” she explained. 

She noted that the hospital administration had appealed for infrastructural support and better equipment. 

"We shared this observation with the Director General and his team, offering words of encouragement," she said, emphasizing the need for similar practices to be adopted in Nigeria.

Moving on to the National Hospital Donka, a modern facility completed just two years ago and run under a concessionary agreement with a Canadian NGO, Senator Banigo pointed out the state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment that the hospital boasted. 

“The National Hospital, with its state-of-the-art buildings, has 631 beds and first-class equipment, with each ward accommodating only two beds,” she disclosed. 

She highlighted how these best practices could serve as a guide for improving oversight and administration in Nigeria's healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Senator Banigo further stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to draw lessons from such facilities to develop a more robust healthcare framework that prioritizes efficiency, quality, and accessibility. 

“It was interesting to observe best practices and consider how these can inform more robust oversight as we move forward,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria to embrace innovations that could transform the health sector.

She however reiterating her commitment to driving legislative reforms that will position Nigeria's health sector on par with international standards, noting that collaboration across the ECOWAS region would be vital to achieving this goal.

 "We must learn from each other, adopt best practices, and ensure that our health systems can adequately serve our people," she stated.

Disclaimer NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Beware of Fraudsters

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to the fraudulent activities of scammers claiming to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme. 

Please, note that the registration for this scheme closed on August 31, 2024. 

We received reports that several persons have been getting unsolicited messages stating that they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, accompanied by requests for personal information and an acceptance fee. 

The NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme. 

We want to clarify that the NDDC is not associated with this fraudulent selection process. Official communications from us will always come from our verified websites and social media accounts. 

If you receive a message similar to the one described, we urge you to disregard the fraudulent message and report it to the appropriate authorities. 

Your safety and privacy are our priority. 

For legitimate inquiries about our empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. 

We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng]. 

Seledi Thompson-Wakama Director, 

Corporate Affairs September 6, 2024.

Tinubu’s 3MTT Programme Aims To Address Unemployment With 3 Million New Jobs - Information Minister

 

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Tinubu Administration has set up the structures to create three million jobs for the Nigerian youth through the 3 Million Technical Talent (MTT) Programme.

 

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Monday at the Nigeria Police Youth Summit with the theme “Enhancing the Nigerian Youth Value for National Security Intelligence”.  

 

Represented by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister said the 3MTT Programme, being driven by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Technology, is an incubator for the education and skills desired to enhance the capacity and value of the youths in national security intelligence. 

 

 “The 3MTT Programme is an affirmation of President Tinubu’s vision of factoring youth development into the overall national development strategy. To lay a formidable framework towards achieving this, the administration is also prioritizing the economic security of Nigerian youths, towards building a more secure and prosperous country,” he said.

 

Idris said the enactment of Nigerian Education Loan (NEL) Fund, which is currently providing loan and financial support for Nigerian students, is one of the notable initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making significant impact on the educational pursuit of the youth.

 

While speaking on the high cost of transportation in the country, the Minister said the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy by the President, seeks to leverage the nation’s sufficiency in gas to bring down the cost of transportation by about 70%.

 

Idris, therefore, enjoined the youth to latch onto government policies and explore them for personal comfort, economic growth and empowerment.

 

The Minister also stressed the need for the youth to imbibe the necessary morals and values in order to play their expected roles in national security intelligence.

 

“Better still, the renaissance identified with the crucial national security intelligence role for our youths cannot come without the necessary value reorientation. The expected Nigeria's Values Charter initiated by this administration, spearheaded by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), will serve as a blueprint for a national value system, defining us as Nigerians and strengthening our personality and roles as citizens,” he said.

 

The Minister, however, warned the youth on the national security implications of spreading fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, saying this nefarious conduct, is a flagrant abuse of the freedom expression, which the present administration upholds.

 

“Where much is given, much is expected. We must acknowledge that disinformation intersects with significant national security threats, including incitement over anarchy and instability, transnational crimes, terrorism, banditry and their financing, violent extremism, and malicious cyber activity,” he stated.

Kwara United Coach Dogo: Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament Reveals NPFL Season Insights

In a testament to the visionary leadership of the Director-General, Amb  Ono Akpe and his exceptional staff, the Douye Diri preseason tournament has set a new benchmark for excellence in Nigerian football. The Government of Bayelsa State deserves immense praise for their unwavering support and commitment to hosting a world-class tournament.

Coach Kabir Dogo of Kwara United FC was effusive in his praise for the tournament, saying, "The caliber of teams and players in this tournament is a clear indication of the high level of competition we can expect in the upcoming NPFL season." The tournament, held at the state-of-the-art Samson Siasia Sports Stadium in Bayelsa State, features the crème de la crème of NPFL teams competing in intense group stages.

After Kwara United's thrilling goalless draw against Rivers United, Coach Dogo lauded the tournament's standard and quality, saying it "provides a fascinating preview of what the 2024/25 NPFL season holds." He suggested a minor adjustment to the scheduling to accommodate teams representing Nigeria in CAF competitions, a testament to the tournament's growing reputation.

Dogo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and organizers for hosting a tournament that has become a cornerstone of Nigerian football. He assured that Kwara United will capitalize on the opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and build a formidable squad for the NPFL.

The tournament continues to captivate fans with Kwara United facing Krusaders FC on Wednesday at 2:30 pm.

Governor Douye Diri Pre Season Tournament Kicks off in Yenagoa

 ...Commissioner for Youth Development Declares Tournament Open***

The Governor Douye Diri pre season Football tournament kicked off on Monday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season slated to commence on the 30th of August, 2024. 

The pre-season tournament has in attendance seven NPFL teams comprising Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Bendel Insurance, host Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United and a non league side Krusaders FC of Yenagoa.

In the first match of the day, Bendel Insurance beat Krusaders by a lone goal scored by substitute Chinedu Chukeujiekwe in the 65th minute from a defensive blunder.

Rivers United and Kwara United played out a barren draw in the second game leaving both teams with a one point apiece.

Bendel Insurance lead group 'B' with three points after the victory against Krusaders Feeders of Yenagoa.

Sunshine Stars piped Bayelsa United 1-0 in the official kick off match. Ismail Ayodele's lone goal gave Kennedy Boboye's men the vital three points at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

In the last fixture of the day, Akwa United and Abia Warriors settled for a one all draw. Ezekiel Eddiong put the Promise Keepers ahead on 15 minute from a spot kick but the Abia Warriors side restored parity on 61 minutes from Sheddy's sweet finish.

Declaring the tournament open, commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado remarked that the tournament is in line with the Prosperity administration's mantra of creating an  enabling environment for the youths to thrive in their chosen careers.

According to him, the tourney is aimed at adding to the corporate value of the state, stating that he was elated to see Bayelsa hosting national competitions, describing the State as a  centre of good things.

He noted that the tournament would provide the technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso the opportunity to select his preferred team before the commencement of the league, pointing out that he was impressed with the quality of football he witnessed.

Chairman Central Organizing Committee, Mr Ono Akpe asserted that the standard of game he saw was beyond a pre-season game, stressing that all the teams gave a good account of themselves.

Mr. Akpe applauded the sports-loving duo of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their immense support to the development of sports in the last five years.

He also commended the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for translating the governor’s vision for sports in the state.

Tuesday is rest day, with the teams returning to action on Wednesday, when Abia Warriors will take on Bayelsa United in the first game at 8:30am while Sunshine Stars entertain Akwa United at 10:30am, Kwara United will slug it out with  Krusaders FC at 2:30pm, while Bendel Insurance trade tackles with Rivers United at 4:30pm.

Diri Pre-Season: Quality of invited teams will offer insight ahead coming season- Coach Dogo

Elevated Standard of Teams in Douye Diri Preseason Tournament Offers Insight into the Upcoming NPFL Season, Remarks Dogo

The Head Coach of Kwara United Football Club, Kabir Dogo, has emphasized that the caliber of teams and players participating in the ongoing Douye Diri preseason soccer tournament has unveiled a glimpse of what can be expected in the imminent NPFL season.

Commencing in Bayelsa State at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, the Douye Diri preseason tournament inaugurated its matches in group A and B on Monday.

Speaking to the press following his team's goalless draw against Rivers United in the second group B encounter of the tournament, Coach Dogo characterized the match as a significant trial for both sides as the new league season approaches.

"The level of competition showcased in the Douye Diri Preseason tournament is indicative of its standard and quality, offering a preview of what the 2024/25 NPFL season holds,"remarked Dogo.

He recommended that the organizers adjust the scheduling in future editions to accommodate the country's representatives in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, aiding in their preparation for continental matchups.

Expressing gratitude towards the Bayelsa State Government and the tournament organizers for convening and inviting NPFL teams to partake in the competition, Dogo emphasized that it serves as a platform to assess and evaluate the clubs' readiness ahead of the league.

Dogo, the coach of Kwara United, affirmed that his team is committed to refining all identified areas of improvement from their trial games, maintaining their focus on constructing a formidable squad for the NPFL.

The tournament progresses with Kwara United facing Krusaders FC on Wednesday in the second match day of group B at 2:30 pm.