Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 Niger Delta youths to as part of measures to cushion the economic hardship in the region.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made this known at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities and youths and women in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, July 30.
He explained that the payment would be made under the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme and would last for an initial 12 months with the possibility of extension.
Akpabio announced that Tinubu has equally approved the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project from both states, a move expected to create thousands of jobs for the region’s youth.
Akpabio emphasised that the move was part of Tinubu’s efforts to address challenges facing the region and appealed against participation in the national protest billed for August 1.
Akpabio said the planned national protest was organized by anonymous persons he alleged of intending to incite chaos and destruction across the country.
“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship.
“We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues. The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and is already receiving required attention to address them,” he said.