President Bola Tinubu has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to steer youths in the region away from violent behaviours towards entrepreneurship through constructive engagements.

The president made the call at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president said the NDDC remained pivotal to the economic growth of the region.

“Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development as it remains the primary index of progress.

“The NDDC must constructively engage the youths, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and legitimate means of self-development.

“This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Development to leverage the various initiatives available,” the President said.

According to him, community development was close to his heart and would remain a top priority of his administration.

Tinubu further stated that the swift constitution of the NDDC board at the beginning of his administration and the increase in the funding to the agency to meet its obligations reflected his commitment to the development of the region.