{
  "id": 1613493,
  "title": "NDDC Engages Niger Delta Youths in AI Training",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/nddc-engages-niger-delta-youths-in-ai-training",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-18T02:34:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/18/nddc-engages-niger-delta-youths-in-ai-training/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and capacity building programme for numerous youths in the Niger Delta, aiming to transition the region's economy away from oil dependency towards knowledge-driven innovation. Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, a criminology professor at Lagos State University, recommended that NDDC establish AI innovation hubs as centres of excellence for local software development, start-up mentoring, and digital skills training. NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, declared the programme open in Port Harcourt, stressing the importance of equipping young people to become \"opportunity creators\" instead of \"job seekers.\" Ogbuku highlighted that the programme is a strategic investment in the future of the Niger Delta, empowering graduates and unemployed youths with digital competencies required for success in a technology-driven global economy. The keynote speaker, Prof. Oyenuga, emphasized the role of AI in fostering innovation, job creation, and economic self-reliance across all sectors. He called on NDDC to establish AI innovation hubs with advanced resources to support local software development, start-up mentoring, and digital skills training.",
  "summary": "• As Ogbuku urges participants to generate sustainable livelihoods •Expert tasks NDDC on Niger Delta AI innovation hubs Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has",
  "key_points": [
    "NDDC launches AI training program for Niger Delta youths",
    "Prof. Oyenuga recommends AI innovation hubs for local development",
    "Programme aims to shift economy from oil dependency"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The NDDC's AI training programme for Niger Delta youths signals a strategic shift towards a knowledge-driven economy, equipping young people to drive innovation and economic self-reliance in the region.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}