The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has refuted claims it executed the Nyanghasang community road project in Calabar, Cross River.
Speaking to journalist, Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, while attributing the controversy surrounding the Nyanghasang xommunity Road project to attempts to downplay the contributions and initiatives of the Cross River State Government, said the road was not one of the projects captured for execution by the commission.
According to Duke, the Nyanghasang Community Road is a project of the Cross River State Government, and not that of the NDDC. He emphasized that the project’s origins dated back to the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke and continue under the current Governor Bassey Otu, who is actively intervening in road infrastructure across the Nyanghasang community.
Duke reinforced the State Government’s earlier position, laying to rest speculation over the project’s ownership. “If anyone is in a position to clarify this issue, it is me. I represent the NDDC in this state, and I am fully aware of all NDDC projects as captured in our budget,” he stated.
“I want to categorically reiterate that the Nyanghasang Road project is not an NDDC initiative. From inception to this point, the entire effort has been undertaken by the state government,” he added.
He criticised attempts by some federal lawmakers to take undue credit for state-led projects, describing it as a tactic to siphon public funds and mislead constituents.
“Some individuals from the Senate came in, hurriedly asphalted a section of the road, and tried to claim ownership to divert funds. There is no Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), voucher, or award letter to substantiate their claim. It is unfortunate that Cross River is being used as a smokescreen for financial misappropriation,” Duke asserted.
He further stressed that all NDDC projects are properly documented and budgeted for. The only project captured and commissioned recently was a 900-meter stretch of Idang Road in Calabar South. He explained that the controversy began when some individuals attempted to rename Nyanghasang Road ahead of an NDDC commissioning event without the consent of the local government council.
“At NDDC, we insist on transparent processes, including proper site handovers, devoid of political manipulation. If Nyanghasang were an NDDC project, it would have followed due process involving the state government, not a federal legislator who played no oversight role but chose to brand the project with personal images,” he said.
Also speaking at the press briefing, the Cross River Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, reaffirmed the state government’s ownership and execution of the project.
He confirmed that the road was awarded and fully funded by the state, from the previous administration to Governor Bassey Otu’s current tenure.
“This road is vital to the people and government of Cross River State. The construction has been ongoing, except for a short segment that was previously delayed. Governor Otu made its completion a priority upon assumption of office,” Ankpo explained.
He described attempts by a federal legislator to claim the project as “deceptive and unfair,” adding that the purported commissioning took place without consultation or involvement of the state government.
“There was no coordination with the Ministry of Works. The event was advertised solely as the commissioning of an NDDC office. This road project is neither an NDDC nor a Federal Government initiative,” Edet stated.
Echoing this, Commissioner Duke revealed he was not informed of any official commissioning and condemned the use of political campaign-style images on public project materials.
He also referenced similar issues with the Idang Road project, noting that it was inappropriately renamed without local consultation.
“Only half of Idang Road has been completed. Renaming it to ‘Etinyin Ekpenyong Oniong’—a senator’s uncle—without consulting local residents sparked anger and division in the community,” he said.
Duke further criticised the placement of the senator’s photograph on NDDC-funded streetlights, calling it misleading and inappropriate.
“These are NDDC projects. If any image is to be displayed, it should be that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not a contractor’s or politician’s. You execute a project as a contractor, get paid, then try to rebrand it as a personal initiative. That’s dishonest,” he declared.
He emphasised that NDDC is not competing with the State Government; instead, the Commission seeks to collaborate and complement the government in critical areas of intervention.
Duke also lauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the massive infrastructural projects embarked upon since assumption of office, adding that Governor Otu’s policies and programs broadly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda; hence, there is no conflict between NDDC as a federal government agency and the state government. “The governor has consistently advocated for an even spread of NDDC projects across the three senatorial districts to eliminate the feeling of marginalization within the state.”
He concluded with a firm call on federal lawmakers to focus on delivering their designated constituency projects rather than attempting to hijack and politicize NDDC efforts for personal gain.
Controversy is trailing project commissioning in Cross River State.
A road project in Nyaghasang Community Road, which was earlier billed for commissioning but was eventually postponed, is said to be at the centre of the dispute.
Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, yesterday, commissioned several NDDC projects in the state, including a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road project on Idang Street.
The state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet.
Supporters of the Chairman senate committee on NDDC, and senator representing Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong, who graced the occasion were of firm belief that the NDDC executed the Nyaghasang Community Road project.
But the state government has dismissed the notion. Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated: “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”
He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the state. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to state construction standards before undertaking any project.
The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.
“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” clarified Hon. Ankpo Edet. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”
Speaking on the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.
Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the state government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the state and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the state government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.
However, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, clarified that, “At no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other state official. Governor Otu, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains committed to supporting federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.”
Otu via his spokesman, Nsa Gill, further clarified that, “Cross River, it is worth noting, was the first APC-governed state in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from federal government projects. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The state government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.”
Meanwhile , in his goodwill message during the projects’ commissioning, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that, given the achievements recorded by the current Board and management of the NDDC, the National Assembly was prepared to offer any further support in the areas of legislation and oversight.”
“Our collective goal is to see the NDDC fulfil its mandate and drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.”
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital innovation and technology as catalysts for sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
This was disclosed in a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, following the launch of the second edition of the Port Harcourt Tech Expo, an event sponsored by the NDDC.
Speaking at the event, NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the importance of the Tech Expo, stating that it was designed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore emerging technologies and their role in shaping the region’s future.
“The Commission’s sponsorship of this Expo underscores our dedication to leveraging innovation and digital transformation as key drivers of development,” Ogbuku said. “Technology, if strategically harnessed, holds immense potential for the sustainable growth of the Niger Delta.”
He added that the NDDC is prepared to collaborate with relevant organisations to create platforms for youth training and empowerment in tech-related fields.
“This Tech Expo is a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation—an opportunity to leverage technology for the benefit of our people and the broader region,” he noted.
Ogbuku called on leaders in the tech sector to develop programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical, tech-based skills, emphasizing that digital tools, including social media, can be powerful instruments for self-development and economic empowerment.
“It is our collective responsibility—both as individuals and organisations—to shape the future we envision,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, spoke on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship. He underscored the vital role of innovation in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Onyia urged young people to invest intellectually in their futures and called for a shift in national priorities from crude oil dependency to technology adoption.
“Technology is the future—and it’s indispensable across all sectors. The Niger Delta’s youth must embrace it as a path to progress and opportunity,” he asserted.
The NDDC’s active role in initiatives like the Port Harcourt Tech Expo reflects a strategic move toward building a digitally empowered generation and reinforcing the Commission’s vision of a technologically driven, inclusive development agenda for the Niger Delta.
Before now, most communities in the Niger Delta region had been enveloped by darkness. Currently, in a groundbreaking approach, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is lighting up the nights in communities across the nine states that comprise the Niger Delta region; engendering brightness to communities previously enveloped in darkness through the installation of solar-powered streetlights by the NDDC. Assistant Features Editor CHINAKA OKORO examines the efforts of the NDDC in lifting the lives of members of the region in its 25 years of existence.
As the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) celebrates 25 years of its establishment, one innovative project stands out like a neon sign in the night. The groundbreaking Light up the Niger Delta project, undertaken by the Commission, has opened several new frontiers for growth and development.
The solar-powered street lights have transformed the way people live and work in communities across the Niger Delta region. The impact of this initiative can be felt in economic and social activities in the region. This transformation signposts significant progress in people’s lives in the hitherto neglected region, radiating far beyond the streets.
The light-up Niger Delta project is part of the NDDC’s measures to combat criminality, stimulate socio-economic activities and promote peace in the region.
The campaign is particularly important, given the security concerns in Nigeria’s oil-rich region. The positive impact of the “Light up the Niger Delta” campaign is evident, as it has reduced criminal activities in various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the affected areas.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku said: “We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which not only provides light but also helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment. I assure you that the incidence of crime has reduced in most of these communities.”
As climate change continues to impact communities worldwide, the need for innovative solutions to address the global challenge has become increasingly imperative. In the search for solutions, solar power is gaining traction as a potential silver bullet to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and save the environment.
Currently, many organisations are investing in solar projects and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Solar power has inherent advantages, making it an attractive option for the government and private sector organisations eager to reduce their carbon footprints.
In the past, issues around climate change used to sound distant and academic. Not anymore. It has become increasingly apparent to the human race that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our lifetime. The task, therefore, is to take measures to help curb the rising global temperature.
Experts say mitigating climate change entails “reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This involves cutting greenhouse gases from the main sources such as power plants, factories, cars and farms. Forests, oceans and soil also absorb and store these gases and are an important part of the solution.”
Nigeria is not immune to this global phenomenon, which is evident in rising temperatures, intense rainfall producing large runoffs and flooding, rising sea levels, drought and desertification, land degradation, and more frequent extreme weather events. Many organisations, including the NDDC, are already contributing in different ways to tackle the global problem.
Dr Ogbuku further said: “Our target is to ensure that every community in the Niger Delta is powered by solar, which is a renewable and cheap form of energy. Additionally, we will establish industrial clusters powered by solar energy, which will enhance the agricultural value chain.”
Ogbuku also noted that solar power had the dual benefit of providing needed projects for the people and building NDDC’s carbon credits, stating that the Commission expects to recover the carbon credits trapped in some of these projects. Investing in solar energy is on point because it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives. Aligning these initiatives with the SDGs is crucial as they provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, including climate action.
Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), directly relate to climate change and renewable energy. By investing in solar energy and carbon credits, the NDDC will contribute to achieving these goals. There is ample evidence that solar energy, as a renewable and sustainable power source, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Hence, NDDC’s investments in solar energy projects will contribute towards mitigating climate change and promote clean and affordable energy.
The Commission’s contributions can take various forms. They could be small-scale installations in local communities or large-scale solar farms. These projects will provide electricity to communities, reduce carbon emissions and create job opportunities for our teeming youths.
Several communities are already reaping the benefits of NDDC’s bold initiative. In Bayelsa, solar-powered street lights have become a source of relief and safety for residents of Yenagoa, the state capital. This new development has also provided respite for communities in the eight local government areas.
Unlike in the past, solar street lights were abandoned and became a relic of past administrations. That is not the case for the NDDC solar streetlights. In recent years, the popular Etegwe/Tombia Roundabout, Mbiama/Yenagoa Road, Sanni Abacha Express Road, Azikoro/Ekeki area and others have been illuminated for visitors to the state capital.
A resident, Emeka Ojuogu, commended the NDDC for the solar-powered light, saying: “Before now, some politicians described the state as a ‘forest’ capital because it is always dark due to poor epileptic power supply. But now, there seems to be no street without powered street lights.”
The people of Ayama in the Gbarain Kingdom of Bayelsa State have expressed gratitude to the NDDC management for considering their community in the award and completion of solar-powered streetlight projects. They expressed delight that their community had been lit-up with solar-powered streetlights by the NDDC, thereby making it to be among several other communities in the region that had benefited from the Commission’s “Operation Light up Niger Delta Project.”
When the people rolled out the drums to celebrate the successful completion of the solar street light project, the paramount ruler of Ayama-Gbarain, Kawari Apina-Owei, his deputy, Jeremiah Selesai and the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Geseye Apina-Owei, praised Ogbuku and the management of the interventionist agency for the amenity.
Apina-Owei said: “Some relief came our way when the NDDC awarded the solar-powered street light for this community. This is the first time we have felt the impact of the leadership and management of the NDDC since its inception.
“We thank the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the Commission’s management for remembering our community, Ayama, in this solar-powered light project. Before now, we have been in total darkness, making snakes and other dangerous reptiles roam the streets at night.
“Before the execution of this solar light project, we could not move freely at night because everywhere used to be dark. But now, we can move at any time of the night to our neighbouring Ogboloma and Okotiama communities.”
The community described Ogbuku as a Godsend, whose actions have brought happiness to their hearts as they move freely at night.
In their testimony, the residents said: “Driving through Kaima, Odi, and Opokuma was very refreshing. The lighting across the communities was spectacular and distinctive. The street lights provided sufficient illumination to bolster our confidence as we drove at night. Students now use the street lights to read at night.”
Providing street lighting may not be all that is needed to develop the Niger Delta. However, it is an essential step towards the entire development of the region that should be applauded.
In Rivers State, many communities have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Neighbourhoods that used to be deserted after sundown now come alive at night, thanks to the NDDC solar-powered lights.
Francis Okoroafor, a shop owner in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Area, recounts the new development: “Now, I can walk home after work rather than hop into a cab. I am no longer scared of the dark route that Ordinance Road used to be. I have extended shop hours, exceeding my profit margin by more than 40 per cent.”
Michael Igoniwari, who owns a supermarket on Iwowari Street, also echoed this sentiment, noting that the extended hours of illumination have redefined business dynamics.
“Thanks to the solar street lights, people are out at night these days and the streets are busier,” he affirms. The solar-powered radiance has not only dispelled the shadows but has also catalysed economic growth, empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The NDDC’s solar street lighting programme responds to communities’ prevailing challenges with limited access to the main electrical grid. Existing government-installed streetlights are often dysfunctional due to system failures, power shortages and the exorbitant cost of diesel for generators.
Launched recently, the programme aims at deploying tens of thousands of solar-powered street lights, transcending the boundaries of Port Harcourt to illuminate cities, towns and villages across the Niger Delta.
The impact of the initiative extends beyond mere illumination; it addresses a fundamental issue plaguing more than 70 million people in the Niger Delta who lack dependable power supply.
Solar-powered streetlights, with their low operational costs and straightforward installation, have emerged as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with power outages and unreliable electricity from the national grid.
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, emphasises the popularity of solar streetlights in areas that previously lacked any form of street lighting.
He noted: “People are now going out after nightfall because they feel safer.” The lights enhance security and contribute to community and social cohesion.
Tammy Dagogo, who runs a barbing salon off Peter Odili Road, attests to this thus: “Now, even during outages, the solar lights keep the area lit.” This reliability fosters a newfound sense of security, enabling mothers such as Belema Dappa to permit their children to play outside, even after dusk.
The Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State was jubilant as a result of the inauguration of solar-powered streetlights installed across the community’s villages by the NDDC. In line with its project titled “Operation Light up Niger Delta,” NDDC provided solar power to mitigate the once-darkness-ridden Omopi-Omerelu Community.
In appreciation, the Chairman of the Omerelu Council of Chiefs, Chief L.O. Didia thanked the NDDC for providing the project for the community. The Rumuigbo Community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was not left out in the jubilation. The Chairman of Rumuigbo Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Kinikanwo Owhonda expressed gratitude to the Commission for always being there for the people.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Niger Delta Youths Movement (NDYM), praised the NDDC for initiating life-changing projects such as the Light up Niger Delta initiative, which would provide jobs and boost the economic development of the region.
The NDYM National President, Prince Boboye Peretu hailed the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led management of NDDC for the initiative.
Reports from different states making up the region have it that this “Light up the Niger Delta” programme has stimulated economic growth, empowered local businesses and serves as a beacon of hope in the country’s quest for sustainable development.
The campaign kicked off with a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt to create awareness and as part of the activities marking this year’s World Environment Day.
Speaking at the occasion, the NDDC Director of Environmental Protection and Control, Onouha Obeka assured that the commission was committed to enhancing biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and improving the quality of life of the people in the region.
Obeka in a statement by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, commended the stakeholders, who volunteered for the cause, urging them to remember the importance of environmental stewardship and collective action in creating a more sustainable future for the Niger Delta.
He emphasised the importance of tree planting in addressing critical issues contributing to environmental degradation, including the lack of eco-friendly practices, deforestation, and unethical business practices.
As part of the activities marking World Environment Day 2025, with a focus on “End Plastic Pollution,” the NDDC donated seven waste segregation disposal facilities to the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. , Speaking at the handover event, the NDDC Director of Environmental Protection and Control observed that the university campus was environmentally friendly, owing to its green campus policy. He noted that the Commission was invited to support the existing environmental culture.
Onuoha said: “With your already established waste management system, these segregated waste facilities will help improve waste collection.”
The Director of Works, Henry Onu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, commended the NDDC for its numerous interventions that had benefited the institution. He assured that the donated waste facilities would be put to good use. .
The acting chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, George Turnah, has appraised the performance of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) saying the region is feeling the positive impact of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the performance of the commission.
Turnah, who spoke shortly after a closed-door meeting with Ogbuku in Port Harcourt said that he had a productive discussion with the managing director and that their engagement was centred on the significant development and infrastructural changes in the Niger Delta under Ogbuku’s leadership.
Turnah expressed gratitude to Ogbuku for various developmental initiatives undertaken by the NDDC, particularly in Bayelsa State.
He extended deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Ogbuku and assembling what he described as the most effective and visionary leadership team in the history of the NDDC.
He said the Bayelsa PDP and the people of the state were extremely proud of the remarkable work Ogbuku was doing at the NDDC especially his efforts to advance the region’s development in ways that were both unimaginable and unprecedented.
Turnah listed some of the bold developmental footprints of the Ogbuku-led management team of the NDDC such as the Light Up Niger Delta solar power scheme, the completion and connecting to national grid of the 132/33KVA electricity sub – station in Ondo State, the completion and inauguration of the Ogbia – Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, the inauguration of the 600 meter Ibeno Bridge in Akwa Ibom State, and the inauguration of the first phase of the 9.8km Abraka – Oben Road in Edo State.
He also mentioned the projected 2025 completion timeline for the Kaa-Ataba Road in Rivers State; the acquisition of a suitable NDDC office building in Bayelsa State, and the completion of the NDDC International Training Centre, Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area.
Turnah lauded the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which engaged a record-breaking 10,000 young people across the region, the successful hosting of the Niger Delta summit alongside several other life-changing programmes and infrastructural development projects completed and ongoing across the region.
Ogbuku expressed delight over Turnah’s visit and called for greater partnership, collaboration, and cooperation among political leaders in the region.
He noted that the region’s political and economic interests would be better protected if leaders worked together irrespective of political differences and ideologies.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said it will expand its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme to include training in Nigerian universities as part of its efforts to strengthen human capital development in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, spoke during an assessment visit to the venue of the foreign postgraduate scholarship interviews in Port Harcourt.
He observed that 600 indigenes from the NDDC mandate states would benefit from the expanded scheme, as opposed to the 200 who benefit from foreign schemes.
Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Nwakama acknowledged the interview panelists for their excellent work so far and charged them to be impartial in their judgment, ensuring that only the best and most qualified candidates received the scholarship.
He said, “The students who benefited from the scholarship scheme in the previous years had distinctions in their various fields of study, and we have not heard of criminal or any negative reports about them.”
The NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, explained that the process of selecting scholarship recipients was transparent.
He said, “Over 30,000 persons applied, from which 6,000 candidates were invited for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).”
Uzonwanne said that the 2,500 students, who scored 70 per cent and above were invited to the next stage, which he said would be an oral test used to determine the cut-off point.
He said the candidates were satisfied with the process due to its transparency, as they saw their scores as soon as they finished answering their questions.
The chairman of the interview panel, Prof. Beleudanyo Fente, lauded the NDDC for providing an educational platform to improve the lives of the region’s indigenes and for providing infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, solar lights, and piped water.
Fene promised that he and his team would ensure the process was transparent, fair, and free, and that the most suitable and qualified individuals would receive the scholarship.
One of the candidates, Mr. Benedict Chigozie, said the process was transparent and satisfactory, noting that they were well treated and taken good care of.
He thanked the NDDC for providing an avenue for the less privileged to further their academic pursuits.
Another candidate, Miss Blessing Chinonso, who is physically challenged, thanked the NDDC for the scholarship programme and appealed to the Commission to make provisions for physically challenged candidates.
The Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide (AYF-W), a socio-cultural organization in Delta State, has urged the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure equity in implementing the Niger Delta Youth Internship Programme.
The forum made the plea after a National Executive Committee meeting held on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The Forum in a statement by its National Secretary, Kabadi John, and National Publicity Secretary, Ekwukwo Elvis, alleged that the programme which was originally designed to empower 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region, has been shrouded in secrecy and masked by selective implementation.
The statement said: “It is both alarming and unacceptable that despite Anioma youths dutifully applying for the program, there has been widespread complaints of no feedback and no shortlist by almost all those who applied with great expectations across all the nine local government areas of Anioma.
“While the NEC is not taking away the possibility of deliberate marginalisation, discreet investigation and information sharing across the region points to almost no implementation of the scheme. This is inspite of the posture that it is meeting up with the obligation.
“This total blackout of Anioma youths raises serious concerns about deliberate exclusion and a return to the old pattern of marginalization which Anioma youths will no longer tolerate.
“The AYF-W calls on Mr. Chiedu Ebie, (Chairman), Dr. Sam Ogbuku (Managing Director), and the entire NDDC board to urgently address this glaring anomaly by ensuring that Anioma youths are adequately given their quota in the internship program.”
The youths urged the board to demonstrate commitment to justice by ensuring the immediate, transparent, and inclusive rollout of the internship programme.
“The continued delay only fuels discontent and suspicion,” the statement said.
The youths reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to peace, equity, and progress in the Niger Delta region.
Cynthia Ebi Farka cherishes her days as the face of Coventry. She attended Coventry University in the United Kingdom as one of the beneficiaries of the post-graduate scholarship scheme of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
For many months, Cynthia’s face welcomed prospective students at the Coventry train station as part of a “Guide to Campus “project at Coventry University. She recalled with pride: “My face was used to showcase the good features of the university, and I did this as an NDDC scholar.”
Cynthia, who hails from Bayelsa State, studied oil and gas engineering and described her experience in UK as life-changing. She said out there, “everything is computerised, and if you don’t work hard, you will not get anything. There is this software called ‘turn-it-in’ which is used whenever an assignment or coursework is given to check plagiarism,” she said.
“With a background in petroleum engineering, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in oil and gas engineering. I also had the opportunity to go on an excursion in Glasgow, Scotland. The flow measurement course exposed me to practical experiences outside the academic sphere. Altogether, I can say that I am well equipped for the future.”
Looking back, Cynthia said the Master’s degree programme in Coventry was challenging. “But you know, challenges come with their good part,” she added: “When I got to the United Kingdom, it took me some time to adjust to a new learning system. It’s different from what we are used to here in Nigeria. In a nutshell, I will say it was a wonderful experience.”
However, the NDDC scholar said she would be fulfilled when her studies translate to benefits for the people of the Niger Delta. For this to happen, she said she was looking forward to getting a platform to demonstrate her skills. “I need an opportunity to transfer my knowledge to others. Apart from oil and gas engineering, I also got involved in a media presentation project where I learnt presentation and communication skills,” Cynthia said.
Given her exposure to a more modern society, Cynthia wants to see a Niger Delta that is comparable in terms of development to the United Kingdom. She acknowledges that it may take a while and a lot of work.
Cynthia cautioned that blaming all our woes on the Government was unhelpful because, in her view, we all must play different roles. She explains: “You need to see Nigerians in the United Kingdom. They behave themselves; you don’t see someone eat and throw the waste on the roads, but they do that in Nigeria. So, is it the government doing that? Every individual has a part to play. You have the zebra crossing in the UK, and when there are people on it, cars stop, but here in Nigeria, they will run you over.
“I see a Nigeria that will be like the United Kingdom, where you pay for electricity and you get light in a system that works generally. I want the Niger Delta to be a peaceful environment where the youths can realise their potentials. Our boys and girls have prospects, but the environment limits them. I wish people who have a passion for certain things were encouraged. They should go for it and not give up.”
While thanking the NDDC for allowing her to improve herself, Cynthia advised the Commission to help the scholars surmount the initial funding challenges they face in a foreign land. According to her, the major obstacle is the late release of funds. ”I got to Coventry in September, and the money came in December. So, you have to be able to struggle and foot your bills at the initial stage. I wish the Commission could give the scholars something to support themselves before getting there.”
On the positive side, Cynthia commended the NDDC for keeping track of the performance and well-being of its scholars. She enthused: “I was glad that the Deputy Director from the directorate running the scholarship programme came to my graduation. That is good because they check on their students. Even before I got details of my result, it was already sent to NDDC, which is also good.”
Like Cynthia, Mr Ubong Peters, a Ph.D. student in Australia, was another worthy NDDC foreign post-graduate scholarship ambassador. He was celebrated for winning a three-minute thesis competition at his university.
Peters’s excellent performance was among the success stories the NDDC top officials shared at every opportunity.
A proud Chief Executive extolled some of the scholarship programme’s shining lights. He said that apart from Peters, “Mr Augustine Osarogiagbon, of Memorial University, is so brilliant he completed his Ph.D. in less than the stipulated time and has been offered a dual Ph.D. programme with two graduate assistants to work with him and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.”
The NDDC boss also highlighted the exceptional contributions of Mr Charles Igwe, a Ph.D. scholar in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada. He said that his unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion, noting that he achieved the feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, costing $3.67 billion.
The NDDC education programmes were the kind of good stories that the NDDC officials loved to share. He said: “A total of 1,411 students have received scholarships since 2010, of which 1,066 were supported in M.Sc and 345 in Ph.D programmes. Five (5) of the M.Sc students graduated with distinction from Coventry University, England and one (1) from Aberdeen University.”
According to the NDDC “these positive results show the depth of talent within the Niger Delta and what can happen if we encourage the younger ones to stay focused on their education. We must also create an enabling environment for them to return to and be productive citizens.”
The NDDC Director for Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Dr George Uzonwanne, explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government. He added: “It aims to empower the indigenes of the Niger Delta by building their capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector because this area is oil and gas driven. The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment in the oil industry and entrepreneurship in the region.”
He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.
According to him, there was a a need to position young graduates from the region to compete globally in various professional fields, noting that before now, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against the fresh graduates they dismissed as not possessing requisite qualifications. “We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science and other science-related courses,” the director said.
Dr Ozonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. “We believe that the skills they acquire will add value to the development of the Niger Delta. So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,” he said.
He expressed delight that the oil and gas sector has employed some of the NDDC scholars who had returned to the country, adding that some were employed abroad. “I am aware of three scholars who were employed in the UK after their Master’s programme. Moreover, A couple of them have gone into entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Miss Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the United Kingdom University Student Union.
That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. “Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes”.
Dr Uzonwanne said he was optimistic that the transparent process adopted in selecting beneficiaries of the foreign scholarship scheme would continue to produce first-class performers. “It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region and nation.”
Miss Chiedu, a University of Benin Computer Science graduate, appreciated what the NDDC did for her. She wrote back to the Commission to say that “truly, life presents us with different opportunities. For me, every moment in our lives offered a door. All I had to do was choose. I chose to dream, I chose to think, I chose to move, I chose to act, and I chose to win.”
The EHSS director said that NDDC was considering broadening the scope of the scholarship to include Nigerian universities.The plans to broaden the scope of the scholarship programme would answer the prayers of some past beneficiaries who had been urging the NDDC to do more for the numerous graduates of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Lenin Francis, who benefited from the 2014 scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.
Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. “I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,” he said.
He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta because it would allow the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would benefit the people of the region.
According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. “After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.”
He further said that the scholarship scheme needed to be expanded. “It is insufficient for the teeming youths of the region. Currently, the scholarship scheme is enjoyed by less than 15 per cent of qualified applicants, with some states getting only 10 slots. Surely, the NDDC can improve on this number,” he said.
Giving her perspective, Miss Amaka Uchendu, who studied at the University of Essex in the UK, said that youths often found it challenging to start their lives after their first degrees. She said, “With this scholarship programme, it will be easier for us to pursue opportunities we may not otherwise have been able to because of not having money.
So, the NDDC has helped us kick-start our lives, and we thank the commission for allowing us to move forward and improve our lives.”
The Centre for Cohesion and Development (CCD) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its achievements in human capital development in the region.
This position was part of a communique released after a one-day dialogue after a two-day workshop on consolidating efforts to boost human capital development in the Niger Delta.
The group observed the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the development of the non-oil sector through the development of human capital
The group further acknowledged the efforts of the NDDC led by the Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku through enhancing the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the young people in the region through multiple interventions, especially in education and health sectors.
CCD submitted that such a multifaceted approach will produce tangible results that will bring the expected impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, the group observed the need to track progress achieved since the inception of this administration to ensure that improvements in all the relevant sectors of human capital are documented and properly communicated.
According to CCD, a lot has been achieved by NDDC and sister agencies in such critical areas but the absence of comprehension data may be part of the reasons for creating a different picture.
The group agreed to put together a research committee led by prominent scholars in the region to put together an independent and verifiable database that fully captures the state of human capital in the Niger Delta.
