By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In a significant move that underscores the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) commitment to the socioeconomic development of the region, the NDDC has recently launched a 12-month internship scheme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, targeting 10,000 youths across the Niger Delta. This initiative is not only aimed at advancing the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Bola Tinubu but also at equipping the region’s youths with essential skills for meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The newly rolled-out internship program is designed to offer participants practical training and valuable work experience in various sectors, including technology, music and arts, agriculture, and marine industries. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend of N50,000, which will support them throughout the duration of the program. However, the most remarkable aspect of the scheme, which has garnered widespread attention and praise, is the special emphasis on inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities.
During the launch, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, made a groundbreaking announcement that has been lauded as a milestone in the region’s development agenda. Ebie declared that persons with disabilities (PWDs) would receive special consideration under the internship scheme, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from the program. He went further to encourage disabled youths to apply and clearly state their disabilities during the application process, emphasizing that the scheme is open to young people across all educational backgrounds and levels of experience.
This inclusive approach is not just a gesture; it represents a significant shift in the way persons with disabilities are perceived and treated within the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. It is a bold step towards addressing the longstanding challenges that have marginalized PWDs from mainstream economic opportunities.
A Historical Context
To appreciate the full significance of the NDDC’s initiative, it is essential to understand the historical struggles of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The country ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007, followed by its Optional Protocol in 2010. Despite these commitments, the implementation of these international standards has been slow and fraught with challenges. Although the National Assembly passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill in 2011 and 2015, it wasn’t until January 2019 that it was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari after considerable pressure from civil society groups and PWDs themselves.
This law was a major victory as it prohibited discrimination based on disability and mandated significant penalties for violators. It also included provisions for modifying public buildings and transportation systems to be accessible to all. However, despite its existence, the law has not translated into tangible improvements in the lives of many persons with disabilities. Discrimination remains prevalent, and access to education, employment, and healthcare for PWDs continues to be limited.
A New Dawn for Inclusivity
In light of these challenges, the NDDC’s decision to prioritize persons with disabilities within its internship scheme is both unprecedented and exemplary. It signals a new era of inclusivity and provides a model that other institutions in Nigeria could follow. The importance of this move cannot be overstated, especially in a country where PWDs have historically been sidelined in major developmental programs.
This is not the first time the NDDC under its current leadership has demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity. During the Niger Delta Summit held in July 2024, which focused on economic growth and translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into actionable plans, persons with disabilities were actively involved. Their presence and participation were not merely symbolic; they were given the opportunity to contribute during the technical sessions, reflecting the Commission’s serious commitment to ensuring that the voices of PWDs are heard and considered in the region’s development plans.
Aligning with Global Standards
The NDDC’s approach is in full alignment with global standards, particularly the principles outlined in the CRPD. This international convention, which Nigeria is a signatory to, is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities. By giving PWDs special attention in its programs, the NDDC is upholding the values of dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity that the CRPD stands for.
The Commission’s actions also address a critical gap in Nigeria’s implementation of the CRPD. Despite the existence of laws and a dedicated commission for PWDs, the practical benefits have been limited. Many PWDs in Nigeria still struggle with access to basic services and opportunities, often resorting to street begging as a means of survival due to the lack of structured support systems. The NDDC’s internship scheme, by contrast, offers a pathway to dignity and economic independence for PWDs, which could serve as a catalyst for broader social change.
A New Leadership Model
The NDDC’s current board and management have demonstrated that effective leadership can drive positive change, even in challenging environments. Their focus on inclusivity and empowerment is reshaping perceptions and creating new opportunities for the region’s most vulnerable populations. This leadership model is a testament to the idea that the quality of decisions made by those in power can either perpetuate poverty and exclusion or foster growth and empowerment.
The Commission’s ongoing efforts are a clear indication that it is possible to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to national development. The NDDC has not only rolled out a program but has also set a new standard for how government agencies can and should operate in the service of their communities.
Conclusion
As the Niger Delta region embraces this internship scheme, it marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable future. The initiative is not just about providing jobs; it is about restoring dignity, fostering economic independence, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. The NDDC’s special attention to persons with disabilities is a powerful statement that no one should be left behind in the pursuit of development and prosperity.
