By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on young Nigerians to embrace legitimate opportunities and invest in their personal development rather than engage in cybercrime and other illicit activities.

Speaking at the Bayelsa Creatives Converge 2.0 in Yenagoa, Ogbuku stressed the value of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. He shared personal experiences from his youth, recounting how he resisted pressures to engage in wrongdoing and instead focused on building a meaningful life.

“My message to our young professionals is that whatever opportunity you have in life, know that you are working for yourself. Do not think that you are working for someone,” he said.

He urged youths to take pride in their identity and background, noting that one’s environment or family status should never be a barrier to success.

“Be proud of who you are and where you are coming from. Your environment should not limit you. Your opportunities are not restricted to who your mother or father is,” he added.

Ogbuku said self-belief and discipline were key drivers of his journey, observing that individuals who carry themselves with purpose often shape their own destinies. He cited examples of Nigerians who grew from humble beginnings to prominence through legitimate and creative means.

Highlighting NDDC’s efforts to empower youths, he referenced initiatives such as the youth internship scheme and the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, designed to create a platform for young people to thrive.

He also encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy, noting that technology now offers new pathways for wealth creation.

“Cybercrime is real, and cyberbullying is real. The fact that some people are not yet being punished for it does not mean you should take it for granted,” he warned.

“Put your energy into areas where you can make money legitimately. People are running YouTube channels, doing software development, and working with international organisations while sitting in their homes and earning in foreign currency. These opportunities are open to you.”

Ogbuku urged young people to focus on innovation, technology, and self-reliance, noting that many modern career paths do not require government employment.

“Tech is something we must take advantage of. Let us tap into these innovations and make money legitimately,” he said.