The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a strong disclaimer, distancing itself from a widely circulated claim alleging the Commission\'s failure to fulfill financial promises to participants of a purported skill acquisition programme.

According to a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the training programme — allegedly held in Bayelsa and Rivers States and reportedly organised by a religious group, Victorious Prayer Network — was neither approved nor endorsed by the NDDC.

The organisers of the training had claimed that the NDDC promised to sponsor over 2,000 participants and provide them with starter packs. They also accused the Commission of defaulting on its commitment — an accusation the NDDC has now flatly denied.

“We wish to clarify that the NDDC approved no such training programme,” the Commission stated, describing the event as organised “under suspicious circumstances” and categorically affirming that those behind it were never commissioned to conduct any training on behalf of the NDDC.

The statement further emphasized that all legitimate NDDC programmes are transparently publicised and subject to scrutiny. It referenced a recently launched technical skill acquisition initiative in Port Harcourt as an example of the Commission’s structured and verifiable programmes aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths with practical, in-demand skills.

The NDDC expressed concern over what it described as “mischievous individuals” attempting to exploit unsuspecting young people seeking genuine opportunities. It urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any programme or training claiming NDDC affiliation through the Commission’s official channels.

“We remain committed to transparency and fairness in all our activities, including our youth empowerment and skill acquisition programmes,” the statement said.

The NDDC encouraged the public, particularly youths, to verify all information through its website www.nddc.gov.ng and official social media platforms.

This warning serves as both a disclaimer and a call to caution, reminding stakeholders to beware of fraudulent actors seeking “undeserved financial gains” in the name of youth empowerment.