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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on young people across the Niger Delta to channel their creativity and digital skills toward legitimate opportunities while shunning the lure of cybercrime and online misconduct. He made the appeal recently, during the Bayelsa Creatives Converge 2.0 held in Yenagoa.
Speaking to an audience of vibrant young innovators, tech enthusiasts, and content creators, Dr. Ogbuku reflected on the challenges of his own early journey. He noted that many youths face temptations to cut corners but urged them to embrace discipline, focus, and self-belief as the true foundations of lasting success.
He emphasized that every opportunity a young person seizes is ultimately an investment in their own future. “Your background or environment does not define you,” he said. “Be proud of where you come from. Greatness often rises from humble beginnings.”
Dr. Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s commitment to expanding legitimate pathways for youth development, highlighting ongoing programmes such as the Youth Internship Scheme, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, and emerging digital empowerment initiatives designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
However, he expressed serious concern about the rising cases of cybercrime and cyberbullying, warning that the absence of immediate punishment should not embolden perpetrators. He stressed that such acts are not only illegal but deeply harmful to society, urging youths to resist shortcuts that compromise their future.
“Across Nigeria, young people are earning legitimately — running YouTube channels, developing software, building digital brands, and working with international organisations right from their homes,” Dr. Ogbuku noted. “These opportunities are real, accessible, and limitless.”
The NDDC boss underscored technology as the next frontier for the Niger Delta’s socio-economic transformation, calling on young people to embrace innovation, build sustainably, and uphold the dignity of hard work.
The Bayelsa Creatives Converge 2.0, now a fast-growing hub for creative and digital minds across the region, provided a platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and networking. The event concluded with renewed optimism, as Dr. Ogbuku affirmed that the future of the Niger Delta is bright — and its young people are central to shaping it
