The Niger Delta Progressives Alliance (NDPA), a prominent regional advocacy group focused on youth empowerment and socio-economic advancement, has launched a sweeping sensitization campaign urging young people across the nine Niger Delta states to actively tap into federal government job and loan schemes. The initiative, aimed at bridging information gaps and fostering economic self-reliance, comes amid growing concerns over regional disparities in accessing national opportunities, with leaders warning that enhanced participation could be the key to long-term peace and stability in the oil-rich but volatile region.
The campaign kicked off with a one-day sensitization forum held over the weekend at the Bon Hotel in Asaba, Delta State. Titled “Empirical Perspective on President Tinubu’s Offers in Two Years: A Strategic Engagement of Niger Deltans on Accessibility,” the event drew youth leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders who dissected barriers to federal interventions and charted pathways for inclusive growth. NDPA Convener Victor Udoh, who spearheaded the forum, emphasized that the region’s youths are not being deliberately sidelined from programs like the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)—they’re simply unaware of how to navigate them.
“For instance, in the 2024/2025 NELFUND student loan programme, 65 percent of beneficiaries are from the North, while 35 percent are from the South—and most of that 35 percent are from the South-West,” Udoh explained, highlighting a stark regional imbalance that risks deepening economic divides. He stressed that direct access—free from middlemen or illicit fees—could unlock transformative opportunities, from skill-building apprenticeships to low-interest entrepreneurial funding, ultimately fortifying the Niger Delta’s economic base and curbing unrest.
Spotlight on Key Federal Opportunities
NDPA’s drive spotlights a suite of accessible federal initiatives tailored for youths aged 18-35, with a focus on productive sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. Attendees were equipped with practical guides on application processes, eligibility criteria, and success stories to demystify the bureaucracy.
- NELFUND Student Loans: Interest-free funding for higher education, covering tuition and upkeep. NDPA highlighted its role in upskilling Delta graduates for high-demand jobs in the oil and gas sector, urging immediate applications via the official portal to avoid missing the next cycle.
- SMEDAN Grants and Loans: Up to ₦500,000 in seed capital for MSMEs, with training in business management. Ideal for aspiring agripreneurs in Edo or palm oil processors in Delta, these funds promise quick turnaround without collateral for startups.
- NDE Vocational Training and Jobs: Free skills programs in welding, ICT, and tailoring, leading to paid apprenticeships or civil service placements. Udoh noted this as a “peace dividend,” linking employability to reduced militancy in hotspots like Bayelsa and Rivers.
- YEIDEP Youth Grants: Federal Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development Programme offering ₦500,000 non-repayable grants for innovative ventures in entertainment, sports, or green tech. Registration is open nationwide, with NDPA pledging follow-up workshops.
Jator Abido, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide and Paramount Ruler of Niger Delta Communities in the North, reinforced the call: “The President means well for the Niger Delta. Students can benefit from NELFUND loans, entrepreneurs can access SMEDAN funds, and even small producers in rural areas can get help to process and export their goods.”
Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, ThankGod Trakiriowei, lauded the synergy between federal and state efforts under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, praising Tinubu’s administration for “impactful programmes” that have already touched lives. He urged youths to “seize available opportunities to empower themselves and contribute to regional stability,” tying economic inclusion to the broader fight against poverty and insecurity.
A Campaign for the Entire Delta
Felix Ejenavi, NDPA Secretary-General and forum host, announced that the sensitization—piloted in Rivers State—will cascade across all nine Niger Delta states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. “This is about equipping our people with knowledge to claim what’s theirs,” Ejenavi said, vowing community-led sessions to reach remote creeks and urban slums alike.
The event garnered quick traction on social media, with ARISE News and TheCable amplifying NDPA’s message to over 4,800 views combined. Users echoed the urgency, with one posting, “Time for Delta youths to level up—NELFUND and SMEDAN aren’t just for the North!” while another warned of the “entitlement trap” that has long plagued the region.
Why This Matters for the Niger Delta
With youth unemployment exceeding 40% in the Delta—fueled by oil dependency and environmental fallout—NDPA’s push arrives as a timely antidote. Economic empowerment isn’t just about jobs; it’s a bulwark against the militancy that has scarred communities for decades. As Udoh put it, “When people are economically empowered, communities become more secure and stable.” Yet, challenges persist: digital divides hinder online applications, and scams prey on the uninformed. NDPA plans verification hotlines and partnerships with local governments to safeguard access.
This campaign aligns with broader federal commitments, like the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) youth internship schemes, but positions NDPA as a grassroots accelerator. For a region contributing over 90% of Nigeria’s oil yet grappling with underdevelopment, it’s a clarion call: Knowledge is the new resource.
Niger Delta Herald encourages Delta youths to visit nelf.gov.ng, smedan.gov.ng, or nde.gov.ng for applications. Share your success stories or questions in the comments—how can we amplify this for your community?
