The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation has organized a conference in Calabar, Cross River, to mark the 2025 International Youth Day. The event which took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 brought together youths and stakeholders to celebrate young people in the state.
Barr. Bassey Ita Duke, speaking on behalf of the Cross River State Representative on the NDDC board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, emphasized the commission’s commitment to youth development.
He highlighted various youth-friendly programmes, including sponsorships for education, skill acquisition workshops, internships, and sports festivals designed to empower young people and discover talents in sports and technology.
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“The NDDC aims to prepare youths to compete globally through these initiatives, fostering future leaders and champions emerging from the Niger Delta,” he said.
Dr. Oboma Nathan of the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation praised the youth of Cross River for their positive energy and participation in the event, contrasting it with the negative trends seen elsewhere. He acknowledged the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his transformative leadership and stressed the importance of digital skills and technological engagement in today’s globalized world.
Dr. Nathan also highlighted the Foundation’s role in ensuring the success of the conference and looked forward to utilizing feedbacks from the conference to shape future programmes for greater effectiveness.
“The celebration not only emphasized the vital role of youth in national development but also showcased the proactive steps being taken by NDDC to ensure that young people in Cross River and the wider Niger Delta are well-prepared for the future,” he declared.
The conference featured dance competition, discussions on technology and skills development, and interactive sessions aimed at equipping the youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Certificates were issued to participants at the end of the event.
