The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said that it would continue to invest in education in order to continue sustain the drive to build the capacity of young people from the region.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this on the sidelines of the recent graduation of 200 beneficiaries of its 2023/2024 Post Graduate Scholarship Programme from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
Out of the 200 beneficiaries, 11 graduated with distinctions.
Ogbuku who led a delegation of some board members and top management staff of the commission to the graduation, said that the achievement underscores the commission’s commitment to the scholarship scheme and a celebration of academic excellence.
In a statement signed by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Ogbuku said the commission was serious with its human capital development programmes, stressing that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.
“I am very happy to be in Coventry to celebrate our scholars. Their outstanding performance confirms the transparent process through which the beneficiaries were selected. It is remarkable that 11 of the students graduated with distinction in Coventry University", he said.
Also speaking, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said that the scholars had justified their inclusion in the programme.
He noted that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme, started in 2010, to empower Niger Delta youths with advanced training and skills.
In his remarks, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, commended the NDDC Board and Management for sustaining the scholarship scheme which has lasted many through the times and different administrations.
In Ogbuku’s delegation were the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Director of Education Health and Social Services, Dr George, Uzonwanne; the Director of Legal Services, Dr Steve Ighomuaye and the Director Education, Mrs. Idara Akpabio.
