By Uche Amunike
As part of its efforts to eradicate poverty in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), resumed her formerly suspended scholarship programme, Friday.
This announcement was made through a statement released by Udengs Eradiri, the Special Adviser on Youths to the NDDC Interim Administrator, Effiong Okon Akwa, who stated that it was a part of NDDC’s way of commemorating the International Youths Day.
In the statement which was titled ‘Message of Hope on International Youth Day 2022’, Eradiri explained that the ongoing Niger Delta Talent Hunt was designed to help discover and empower talented youths in the region.
He further stated that the empowerment activities like the agricultural training and football competition which formed part of the competition were meant to keep the youths engaged.
He went on to appeal to the youths to eschew all forms of violence, especially now that the 2023 general election fast approaches.
Hear him: ‘The pain we feel today is our strength for tomorrow as we navigate through difficult times in our beloved land. Let’s all rise against primordial sentiments and continue to work hard in a peaceful manner to better our country.’
‘Our region, the Niger Delta, is so blessed with natural resources, professionals and talented vibrant youths who are pushing through by the day to build the Niger Delta of our dreams.’
‘Today, I make bold to say that at the Niger Delta Development Commission, we are doing a lot to eradicate poverty from the land.’
‘Recently, the portal for the scholarship programme has been opened, and the ongoing Niger Delta Talent Hunt will discover many talents from the region; the Grassroot football competition, agricultural training and other laudable projects that will position us in the path of greatness’.
‘I also seize this chance to plead that we shun violence during the forthcoming elections, but rather participate in the process that will bring about the much desired leadership that will further improve the existing infrastructures and developmental goals’.
‘Let us prove to the world that we are a people who God has blessed and are willing to set a legacy for future generations.
On the other hand, the phone numbers of the commission’s Interim Administrator and CEO, Dr Effiong Okon Akwa have been hacked.
According to a statement released, Sunday, by the New Media department of the NDDC, all efforts are currently being geared towards retrieving the numbers. It also explained that the hackers were intent on discrediting Akwa’s reputation and so, advised the general public to ignore any message from Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger or any other messaging app that is presently in circulation.
It partly read: ‘This is to bring to the attention of stakeholders, the security agencies, and the general public that the WhatsApp numbers of the Interim Administrator/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa, have been hacked.’
‘The hackers, who are obviously desperate to discredit the reputation of Dr. Akwa, particularly in his duties at the Commission, are circulating messages purporting same to originate from him.’
‘Consequently, all stakeholders and the general public are advised to disregard any message on WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger and/or any other messaging apps currently in circulation, or that may still be sent out with those mobile numbers until full recovery and full restoration are achieved’.
