The Niger Delta Progressive Alliance (NDPA) on October 31, 2025, held a high-profile press conference in Asaba, Delta State, with the theme “Empirical Perspectives on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Offers in Two Years: A Strategic Engagement of Niger Deltans on Accessibility.” The event aimed to enlighten residents of the Niger Delta on how to access federal government programs and public amenities introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In his opening remarks, NDPA Convener Ambassador Nse Victor Udoh commended President Tinubu for implementing transformative programs designed to promote youth empowerment and economic growth. He mentioned key initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program, emphasizing their impact on job creation and sustainable development. “We are here to ensure Niger Deltans know how to access these federal opportunities,” Udoh stated.
The Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakririowei, praised the federal government’s commitment to youth advancement, urging young people to engage actively in programs like NELFUND to improve their education and living standards. He encouraged participants to make use of available resources for skill acquisition and business development to reduce unemployment and strengthen the region’s economy.
Also present was His Royal Majesty Bayagbon Usimo JP, the King of Ukodo Kingdom in northern Delta State, who called for stronger youth participation in government-led development projects. “Our youths must take the front seat in national growth by utilizing every available opportunity,” the monarch said.
High Chief Thomson Foye highlighted the summit’s core objective of awareness creation, charging attendees to act as ambassadors of information in their various communities. He acknowledged the efforts of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in supporting pipeline security, noting that the company’s work had boosted Nigeria’s oil output from 1.16 million to 1.71 million barrels per day in two years. “This improvement strengthens national stability and supports community development,” Foye remarked.
Engr. Jator Abido, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide, expressed gratitude to the Tinubu administration for prioritizing regional inclusion and applauded PINL’s contribution to infrastructure and security. He said the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meetings serve as platforms for transparency and dialogue among communities and security agencies.
Chief Agbatutu Nelson, the Osuemo of Urhobo, spoke on the importance of entrepreneurship, urging coordinators to guide citizens on how and where to access federal loans and business support schemes. “Entrepreneurship is the route to financial freedom, and our people must be informed about funding access points,” he stated.
Ambassador Udoh later detailed accessible federal initiatives such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Bank of Industry (BOI), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) MSME interventions, the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), Federal Government Loan Program, and the National Youth Investment Fund. Participants were divided into specialized groups, each led by experts who guided them on eligibility requirements and application steps.
In closing, Ambassador Udoh declared, “We don’t want anything from you; we want our region to be empowered.” The event ended with a unified call for greater participation in federal programs to drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
