NDDC moves to wean Niger Delta youths off oil theft, anti-social behaviour

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organised the ‘2026 Day of the Boy Child’ across its nine mandate states to steer young men in the region away from antisocial behaviour to productive lifestyles.

The programme, with the theme, ‘Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,’ explores initiatives aimed at moulding the male child into a productive member of society.

This is vital for a region that has, and still does, suffer loss of its youthful resources to oil theft, “kpo-fire” and other forms of restiveness, stakeholders said.

The Port Harcourt event, held in partnership with Hope Raisers Global Foundation, brought together more than 120 boys from over 10 secondary schools as the commission intensified efforts to build human capital and reduce youth-driven criminality.

Samuel Ogbuku, managing director/chief executive officer of the commission, said: “The theme of this year’s celebration reflects our collective responsibility to nurture boys into responsible, confident and productive young men who will contribute positively to the development of their families, communities and the nation.”

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Ogbuku, represented by Jeremiah Oritselolone, director, Social Services, said the NDDC remains “committed to human capital development as a key driver of sustainable regional growth. Through this initiative, which is being implemented across our nine mandate states, we are investing in the future of the boy child by promoting education, mentorship, leadership, positive values and life skills that will prepare them for meaningful roles in society.”

He urged the participating students to “take full advantage of the knowledge, guidance and inspiration this programme offers. Believe in yourselves, remain disciplined, pursue excellence and strive to become leaders of integrity and positive change.”

Patience Ezugu, NDDC’s director, Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), described the Day of the Boy Child programme as “an important initiative of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) aimed at promoting the positive growth and development of boys across our nine mandate states.

“The theme underscores the need for deliberate investment in the education, mentorship, health and character development of the boy child. Every boy deserves the opportunity to grow in a safe and supportive environment where he can realise his full potential and become a responsible member of society,” she said.

Ezugu pointed out that the commission, through the Directorate of Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), “continues to implement programmes that strengthen human capital development and empower young people with the knowledge, values and life skills needed to become future leaders and agents of positive change.”

Angonimi David-Imeh, Executive Director, Hope Raisers Global Foundation, said the event is “particularly significant because it focuses on a group — the boy child — whose challenges are often overlooked.”

She said: “While much attention has rightly been given to advancing opportunities for girls, there is also an urgent need to intentionally nurture, mentor and guide our boys so they can grow into responsible men, visionary leaders, supportive fathers, and positive contributors to society.”

David-Imeh noted that “the boy child today faces numerous pressures — from negative social influences, substance abuse, cultism, crime, digital misinformation and the absence of positive role models. Addressing these challenges requires deliberate action, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in their development.

“For Hope Raisers Global Foundation, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of raising a generation of young people who are equipped to make informed decisions, lead with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. It also aligns with the mandate of the NDDC to foster sustainable human capital development across the Niger Delta region.”

She added that her organisation was committed to “restoring hope, building capacity, and creating opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, and underserved communities. Our mission is centred on empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, values and support systems required to become responsible, productive and impactful members of society.”

Speakers from across West Africa — among them Francis Y. Brown, Ghanaian award-winning film animator and Founder/Executive Creative Director of AnimaxFYB Studios, Takoradi, Ghana; Irimiagah Paul Gibson, Founder & Executive Director, The BoyChild Support Network (TBSN); and Innocent Usar, Founder, InnocentMINDS Institute for Behavioural Architecture — were on hand to explore issues impacting the development of the boy child and to field questions from the participating students.

Participating schools at the event included: Enitonna High School, Borokiri; Baptist High School, Churchill, Port Harcourt; Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Trinitas Marbix International School, Oyigbo; Echelon Academy, Igwuruta; Brookstone School Secondary & International Foundation, Igwuruta; Seacrest Preparatory School, Trans-Amadi; Geniuses Model Academy Int., Eliozu; Prince of Peace International School, Mgbosimini Rumueme; Den-Bec Int’l Secondary School, Rumuodomaya; and Praise El Infants Jnr. High School.