The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission is boosting education and bridging the gender gap in science and technology by equipping young girls with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern world.
Ogbuku, who spoke during the closing ceremony of the Girl Child Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM competition in Port Harcourt, explained that the initiative was aimed at fostering scientific and technological advancement among young girls in the Niger Delta region.
The Managing Director, represented by the NDDC Director of Education, Dr (Mrs) Awele Chukwudifu, emphasised the importance of educating and empowering the girl child. He stated that the NDDC was committed not only to infrastructural development but also to human capital development.
According to the NDDC boss, the STEM programme was an essential initiative of the Commission, stating, “This STEM competition has brought enormous benefits to the girl child by equipping them with the technological skills essential for the future. “We appreciate the NDDC Board and Management for their continued support in advancing education in the region,” she stated.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Continue Eletu, representing the Director of the Rivers State Office, reaffirmed that the competition aligns with the policy priorities of the NDDC in advancing human capital development.
He said: “The Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led administration in NDDC is committed to empowering the Niger Delta girl child by providing opportunities for them to excel in STEM fields. This initiative has given students a platform to excel in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science, which are fundamental for innovation and societal growth.”
Professor Eletu further highlighted that the competition, which involved participants from the nine Niger Delta states, served as a platform to nurture future leaders in STEM. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to aligning its policies with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating: “When you train a girl, you train a nation. By investing in the girl child, we are shaping the future of our society.”
In his remarks, the Lead Consultant, Chief Godson Ideozu, described the event as the grand finale of a rigorous and competitive selection process across the Niger Delta states.
“This programme identifies and nurtures young talent from an early stage. The next phase will involve mentorship to sustain their interest in STEM fields. Just like the NDDC’s Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Programme, this initiative is designed to build human capacity in various cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Science,” he noted.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the top-performing students, with Miss Jegede Osamagbe emerging as the overall winner.
Expressing her gratitude, Miss Osamagbe thanked the NDDC for providing a platform that nurtures and empowers young girls in the STEM field.
“I thank the NDDC for providing girls with the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete at this level. To every young girl out there, remember if you can imagine it, you can achieve it,” she said.
Edo Gov Hails NDDC Boss, Prays for His Community
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for facilitating the rapid development of communities across the Niger Delta region.
Senator Okpebholo gave the commendation during the 67th Anniversary Celebration of the Ayakoro Annual Festival of Relocation at the King Ikiomoye Paul Nathan Square in the Ayakoro community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The Governor, who was the Chairman of the occasion, compared the movement of Ayakoro community from their original location to that of the Israelites, noting: “You have moved to a land flowing with milk and honey.”
He prayed for the community to continue advancing and progressing, stating, “One day, God will make the son of the Ayakoro community the Governor of Bayelsa State.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, underscored the importance of the annual celebration by the Ayakoro community to commemorate the victory of their forebears over the threat of erosion.
He observed that the movement of the Ayakoro community had brought prosperity to the land and urged the people to continue to support development agencies in their efforts to develop rural communities.
Ogbuku Stated: “Whatever achievements the NDDC has recorded are made possible by the support of stakeholders who have provided the right environment for us to work. I urge all communities to continue supporting our contractors to ensure they deliver our projects on schedule.
The rapid development of the Ayakoro community demonstrates what can be achieved when communities support local development efforts.
In his goodwill message, the Special Guest of Honour and the Representative of Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Agadaga, lauded the NDDC boss for “changing the narrative of the Niger Delta region” and transforming communities hitherto neglected.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Town, HRH. Righteous Inegbagha, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Paramount Ruler of the Ayakoro Community, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for his contribution to making the festival a success.
He stated: “The Ayakoro Annual Festival, known as Eyal Obeyin (crossing), was born out of the need to honour and immortalise the founding fathers of the community.” They were the leaders who, through their visionary leadership, embarked on and accomplished a great feat in the historic resettlement of the entire Ayakoro community on February 12, 1958, from the old settlement to the present-day Ayakoro.
The efforts of the founding fathers were propelled by the significant threat posed by coastal erosion, considering the untold suffering that future generations might face. Today, we are all beneficiaries of their visionary efforts. They deserve an extraordinary celebration.”
The Chairman of the Ayakoro Annual Festival Committee, Comrade Majesty Inegbagha, thanked the Edo State Governor and the other dignitaries who graced the occasion. He described Chief Ogbuku as “our illustrious son, who is seen as “the Light of the Niger Delta.”
