The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says 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, stated this 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 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 receive 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 noted: “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 will 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. She appealed to the Commission to make provisions for physically challenged candidates.

“Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
June 3, 2025.”

A Delta State-born environmental rights activist and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff has called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to avail Deltans and the general public the current position of the mismanaged, misappropriated and misapplied 13% Oil Derivation funds meant for the development of host communities in the state.

The former chairman, of oil-rich Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State as appealed to the Chairman, EFCC Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede to address this critical issue devoid of compromise and political interference.

“We wish to strongly believe that the former governor of Delta State, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa’s political defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be considered for compromise to the detriment of host communities in Delta State.

Comrade Sheriff, who is the Chairman, Association of Host Communities, cautioned against sweeping the issue under the carpet because the former governor Okowa has joined the ruling party APC, therefore, all charges are dropped which will set a wrong precedent for Nigeria’s political landscape and developmental aspirations.

It is imperative to state that Nigerians and the world are watching the anti graft agency EFCC and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government in its promises to fight against corruption, insecurity, unemployment, hunger and poverty etc. The Gbaramatu Kingdom, born renowned human rights activist, lamented that “we can not believe that the government will compromise corruption for political reasons and destroy the future of Nigerians,” he surmised.

By: Benedict Binebai

The forces of darkness gather, their whispers weaving a web of deceit, as they seek to besmirch the names of two stalwarts of the Niger Delta, legendary Disciples of economic progress, Tompolo and Otuaro. Like the Hydra of legend, their detractors persist and multiply, spewing venom and falsehoods, hoping to sever the heads of progress and peace in the Niger Delta. But the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Whiskey, has sounded the clarion call, warning of the conspiracy to destabilise the region. Like a mighty river, he stands firm, his words a bulwark against the torrent of lies.

Tantita Security Services Limited, led by Tompolo, is a shining example of innovation and effectiveness, a square peg perfectly fitted in the square hole of Niger Delta security. Their efforts have brought unprecedented results, taming the beasts of crude theft and pipeline vandalism, and restoring life to the water bodies and communities. Similarly, the Administration of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro at the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a masterstroke of strategic placement – a square peg in a square hole. His reforms have been transformative, visible, and impactful, bringing hope and prosperity to the people.

But amidst these triumphs, a lingering sadness grips the hearts of the Niger Delta people. The enemies of Nigeria’s economy and the hope of the Niger Delta Amnesty youths – the pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves – remain at large, their nefarious activities still not fully contained by security agencies. The majority of Niger Deltans are dismayed that these agents of darkness continue to undermine the region’s progress and sabotage the nation’s economy.

Their detractors, like the mythical Minotaur, are trapped in a labyrinth of their own making, lost in a maze of deceit and malice. But the people will not be fooled. The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory Council, under King Whiskey’s leadership, will not stand idly by.

Let the federal government beware, for the Niger Delta will not be swayed by the winds of propaganda. Tompolo and Otuaro have brought hope and prosperity, and their efforts will not be undone by the agents of darkness. The people demand justice, and the truth shall prevail. The detractors will be held accountable for their actions, and the Niger Delta will rise stronger, like the mighty eagle, soaring above the storms of adversity.