THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has addressed the concerns of the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) over plans to send some youths abroad for training on non-violence.

The commission in contact with the IMG, explained that the commission means well in its effort to make the youths responsible citizens.

In a statement signed by Comrade Andrew Elijah, Chief of Staff to Comrade Joseph Evah, Co-ordinator IMG, the group explained that the managing director of NDDC, Mr. Timi Alaibe and the Executive Director Finance and Administration contacted IMG to acknowledge the criticism of the non-violence training programme in South Africa and the position of IMG that only those who have graduated from the programme in Nigeria should be sen to South Africa for skill training for self employment in the future.

The IMG had advised that sending young people abroad to only get counselling without any handiwork was counter productive.

"The two top shots in the NDDC told us (IMG) that the commission does not have the monopoly of ideas and suggestions are necessary from patriotic groups like IMG to make the commission work easier.

NDDC told us that some of the repentant militants need relocation out of the country for non-violence training because of their level of involvement and the managing director even promised to pay a visit to IMG and other stakeholders to explain certain policies the way the Niger Delta master plan was displayed which made the people accept the master plan without any problem."

The group also stated that the managing director assured the IMG that the scholarship sponsorship for students of the School of Oceanography and Marine Research as requested by IMG was being addressed.

"We (IMG) are glad that we have listening ears at the highest level in NDDC. The humility displayed by the leadership of NDDC is a factor in the achievement of the commission so far. If every public office holders appreciate genuine criticism and make amends, the masses will become partners in development efforts," IMG said.