URGENT DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY: ONDO STATE SCHOLARS ARENA CALLS OUT NDDC OFFICIALS OVER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative, a registered organization with over ten thousand members across the state, demands that Chief Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services at the NDDC, provide transparency and accountability regarding the NDDC Internship Program and the distribution of Tablet devices, with Otito Atikase, Representative of Ondo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, being held accountable in conjunction.
We note that the NDDC Internship Program provides beneficiaries with a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 for a period of one year. However, despite the program’s implementation, there is a lack of transparency about the beneficiaries, which has raised concerns about accountability and fairness. Despite media coverage, there’s a lack of transparency about the beneficiaries. The arena notes allegations that beneficiaries do not receive this monthly stipends as were widely circulated in the media. This raises questions about the program’s intent and whether it was a media stunt.
Recent allegations in the public domain have raised serious concerns about the program’s management, including claims of selective implementation, lack of transparency in the selection process, and delayed implementation. These allegations have sparked outrage and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
We demand that Chief Ifedayo Abegunde and Otito Atikase who is Representative of Ondo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board publish the names of all beneficiaries of the NDDC Internship Program within the next 7 days. This is essential to ensure transparency and accountability, and to restore public trust in the NDDC’s programs. The publication of beneficiaries’ names will demonstrate the NDDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and will help to address concerns about the program’s management.
If Chief Ifedayo Abegunde and Otito Atikase fail to comply with this demand within the 7-day ultimatum, the Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative will have no option but to file a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking their intervention and investigation into the matter.
We urge Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Adegbemire, Senator Ipinsagba, Hon. Minister of Interior, Hon. Tunji Ojo, Hon. Minister of Youth, Hon. Ayo Olawande and His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimmisan Ayedatiwa, to intervene and ensure transparency in the NDDC’s programs. The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative will not back down until justice and transparency prevail.
Date: 6th September, 2025
CC:
– His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimmisan Ayedatiwa
– Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
– Senator Adegbemire
– Senator Ipinsagba
– Hon. Minister of Interior, Hon. Tunji Ojo
• Hon. Minister of Youth, Hon. Ayo Olawande
– Relevant government agencies and authorities