By Passman Akpos
At the Bayelsa Creatives Converge 2.0 held in Yenagoa on Wednesday, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, delivered an inspiring address to hundreds of young creatives, urging them to embrace discipline, innovation, and legitimate digital opportunities as the foundation of their future.
Ogbuku, who described the gathering as “a privilege and a reminder of his own journey,” recounted the pressures and temptations he faced while growing up — including offers of shortcuts that promised quick success but carried long-term consequences. He said choosing integrity, hard work and self-belief made all the difference in his path.
“I want our youths to understand that every opportunity you embrace is an investment in yourself,” he said. “You are not working for anyone else — you are building your own future. And in that future, your background or family name should never be a limitation.”
The NDDC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating sustainable platforms for youth development through initiatives such as the Youth Internship Scheme, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, and upcoming programmes designed to grow innovation, enterprise, and global competitiveness.
But Ogbuku also raised concerns about the rising cases of cybercrime and cyberbullying among young Nigerians, cautioning that the lack of punishment for some offenders does not make the acts any less dangerous.
He urged young people to reject fraudulent online schemes and instead channel their creativity into the “boundless opportunities” offered by the digital economy.
“Across Nigeria, young people are earning legitimately — running YouTube channels, developing software, building digital brands, working with international organisations, and generating income from their homes. These opportunities are real, accessible, and limitless,” Ogbuku said.
He emphasised that technology remains the future of the Niger Delta and the nation: “Let us innovate. Let us build. And above all, let us choose the dignity of hard work over the illusion of quick gains.”
Ogbuku concluded with an uplifting message, affirming that the future of the Niger Delta is bright — with young people at its centre.
