The Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei said the commission is broke and currently facing financial challenges.
Pondei in a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, complained that the budget of the NDDC had not been approved.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the Etche-America Foundation, USA at the NDDC permanent headquarters in Port Harcourt, Pondei lamented that there was a limitation on the liquidity of the commission.
He commended plans by the foundation to build a skill acquisition centre in Etche, and noted that the commission would have supported the project but for the financial problems confronting it.
He described the project as a laudable project aimed at improving lives of the people of the region.
He however pleaded with the promoters of the project to exercise patience insisting that there was a limitation on the liquidity of the commission.
He further stated that skill acquisition and human capital development were some of the key areas the Federal Government was exploring for youth engagement.
“We thank you for being altruistic, leaving the comfort of your base in US to return to give back to your community. This is commendable and we urge other communities to emulate your efforts.”
He said for the skill acquisition centre to be sustainable, the foundation must make a conscious effort to provide instructors.
“We hope that the centre will not be limited to serving only people from Etche but should be open to all Niger Delta people,” Pondei said.
