SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC), DR. SAMUEL OGBUKU, AT THE PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING FOR THE-2025-FOREIGN-POSTGRADUATE-SCHOLARSHIP-BENEFICIARIES HELD-AT-THE-BANQUET-HALL,-HOTEL-PRESIDENTIAL,-PORT-HARCOURT, ON-THURSDAY,-19TH-JUNE,-2025

SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC), DR. SAMUEL OGBUKU, AT THE PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING FOR THE 2025 FOREIGN POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARIES HELD AT THE BANQUET HALL, HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL, PORT HARCOURT, ON THURSDAY, 19TH JUNE, 2025

NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS 

Dave Ikiedei Asei / June 19th, 2025

Protocols

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the NDDC Governing Board,

Directors and Staff of the Commission,

Our 2025 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Awardees,

Members of the Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this very important event – the Pre-Departure Briefing for the successful candidates of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s 2025 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. Today marks not just a stepping stone in your academic journey, but also a critical moment in the Commission’s pursuit of building a knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive human capital base for the Niger Delta region.

A Strategic Investment in Human Capital

Since the inception of the NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, the Commission has remained unwavering in its commitment to creating opportunities for the young people of our region. This initiative is not a mere gesture of goodwill; it is a deliberate and strategic investment in our future. By equipping our young men and women with world-class education and specialized training abroad, we are preparing them to be transformational leaders, problem solvers, and agents of positive change within their communities and beyond.

This year, after a rigorous and transparent selection process, we are sending another batch of brilliant scholars to some of the world’s top universities. You represent the very best of the Niger Delta – our hopes, our dreams, and our promise for a better tomorrow.

Repositioning the Commission through the Renewed Hope Agenda

Let me emphasize that the Foreign Scholarship Programme aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. As a Commission under the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development, we are committed to delivering impactful, people-oriented programmes that build resilience, promote inclusion, and stimulate sustainable development across our region.

This scholarship is not just about academic excellence. It is about national development. It is about changing the narrative of our region from one of underdevelopment and instability to one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence.

Expectations from the Scholars

To our dear scholars, I congratulate you warmly. But I also charge you with a solemn responsibility. As you prepare to embark on this exciting and life-changing journey, remember that you are ambassadors of the Niger Delta and of Nigeria. You must carry yourselves with dignity, discipline, and purpose. While abroad, let your character reflect the values of integrity, hard work, and humility. Seize this opportunity to broaden your horizons, build global networks, and bring back knowledge and skills that will contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities and our region.

You are going as beneficiaries today, but we hope you will return as partners in the development of the Niger Delta tomorrow.

Gratitude to Stakeholders and Partners

Let me also thank the members of the NDDC Governing Board and our committed staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this programme. I appreciate the various stakeholders, academic institutions, embassies, and our international partners who continue to support the Commission in its human capital development agenda.

To the parents and guardians here today, I commend your support and sacrifice. Your role in shaping the lives of these future leaders cannot be overemphasized. Together, we must continue to nurture and mentor them to become responsible citizens and champions of development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let me assure you all that the Niger Delta Development Commission will continue to expand and improve this scholarship scheme and other human development initiatives in the years to come. Our vision is to build a region where young people can dream, strive, and achieve – regardless of background or circumstances.

To the 2025 scholars, go forward with courage, go forward with determination, and go forward knowing that an entire region is counting on you. Let this be the beginning of a greater journey – not just for your personal growth, but for the prosperity and progress of the Niger Delta.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku

Managing Director/CEO

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

19th June 2025

Port Harcourt, Rivers State