The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged youths in the Niger Delta region to leverage modern technology to foster collaborations and partnerships that will boost their human capacity development.

Ogbuku stated this at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration organised by the NDDC in collaboration with Ganvic Empowerment Initiative in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

He explained that the programme was focused on collaboration and partnership for youth development. “We are in the age of technology and AI is taking over the place and therefore, we are using this platform to encourage the youth to leverage on the current trend to advance their course of being partners in development, where they can benefit from current innovative ideas, latest technology, so that they are not left behind, as part of the commission’s quota in promoting the capacities of youths in the Niger delta region.

Ogbuku noted that the ongoing all-encompassing youth empowerment programme in the region was further achieved with meaningful support from the state governments, as the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, could not do it alone.

He stated: “We have always liaised with state governments in carrying out such programmes, by also requesting them to nominate and furnish us with the categories of people in their areas of interest, such as people living with disabilities as beneficiaries”
Ogbuku enjoined youths to be hardworking and proactive in their various endeavours.

The NDDC Director, Women and Culture Unit of the Youths Directorate, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the International Youth Day, which is being organised globally to celebrate youth creativity and potentials, was a further attestation of a renewed commitment by the current board of NDDC towards youth advancement.

She urged the youths to develop their skills in various ways to meet the present-day reality.

A Resource Person for the programme, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, eulogised the NDDC for its initiative in sponsoring the programme, which served as an eye opener, adding that the event would assist in transforming youths in the region.

The Anambra State ICT Agency has restated its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive environment where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can access and benefit from government services without barriers.

Speaking when the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ADRC), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, paid an advocacy visit to his office, the Managing Director/CEO of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, underscored the Soludo administration’s determination to make governance work for all, including PWDs.

Mr. Agbata noted that intentional inclusion is a key part of the Governor’s technology-driven vision for the state which is why the commission recently received a wide range of digital tools to enhance their productivity.

“Technology is only truly impactful when it works for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

We are committed to removing digital barriers and making our platforms accessible to all residents of Anambra State,” he said.

CFA also disclosed that the Agency will take immediate steps to appoint a Disability Desk Officer, work with the commission to ensure that all government ICT platforms are designed to meet accessibility standards, and as well as incorporate PWD-friendly features into ongoing upgrades of the SolutionLens feedback platform.

The visit also featured presentations from ADRC’s Head of ICT, Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwonna, who outlined the Commission’s priorities, and RoLAC representatives, who pledged continued support for building capacity and strengthening the policy framework for inclusion.

Mr. Valentine Nwachukwu, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Commission, gave the vote of thanks, commending the ICT Agency’s openness to collaboration.

The Anambra State ICT Agency continues to work closely with ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen digital transformation in the state, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.

….. As Nigeria Joins the World to Mark International Youth Day 2025

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day, federal officials and media stakeholders have called on Nigerian youths to take decisive actions in driving sustainable development and building stronger communities.

Speaking at an event in Abuja to mark the day, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, underscored the critical role of youth in national development. He noted that with over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, their involvement is essential in transforming the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

“Youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of today. Their creativity, energy, and innovation are the raw materials for building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

Abba Isa, who also chaired the event, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed youth development at the heart of its Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited recent initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), various empowerment programmes through the Ministry of Youth Development, digital skills training, and entrepreneurial support as evidence of government’s commitment to equipping youths for leadership and impact.

He described this year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” as timely, stressing that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be translated into actionable solutions at the grassroots level.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike in her remarks reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and supporting their development initiatives.

She noted that youths are not merely beneficiaries of policy but active participants in creating solutions. Ike called for collective action to tackle the growing challenges facing young people, including insecurity and economic hardship.

“Today’s celebration is a time to reflect on the pressing realities facing our youth,” she said. “It is also a reminder that journalists have a critical role to play in highlighting their achievements and advocating for policies that foster inclusion, innovation, and leadership.”

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Youth Organization (NYO), Comrade Okorie Okorie, described Nigerian youths as the “dynamic force” shaping the nation’s present and future.

He urged them to continue leveraging their creativity and talents to promote national unity and progress.

“Youths are the backbone of our nation. Your innovation, courage, and commitment to progress inspire hope,” he said, adding that this year’s theme should serve as a call to action for deeper involvement in grassroots development.

The event brought together youth delegates from across Nigeria with a shared mission: to foster unity, promote development, and drive forward the nation’s progress through local leadership and inclusive policies.