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NDDC Foreign Scholarship: 5,986 Scale CBT as 2,492 Reach Final Interview Stage

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NDDC Foreign Scholarship: 5,986 Scale CBT as 2,492 Reach Final Interview Stage

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and merit in the selection of beneficiaries for its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, revealing that 5,986 candidates scaled through the computer-based test (CBT) stage out of 12,277 applicants.

Speaking during an assessment visit to the scholarship interview venue in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, assured stakeholders that the selection process remained free of bias, compromise and favoritism.

Represented by the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, Ogbuku commended members of the interview panel for conducting what he described as a seamless exercise without complaints from candidates.

According to him, the scholarship selection process has consistently produced outstanding beneficiaries who have excelled in their respective fields abroad.

“The students who benefited from the scholarship scheme in previous years recorded distinctions in their various fields of study, and we have not received any criminal or negative reports about them,” he said.

The Commission disclosed that after the CBT stage, 2,492 candidates were shortlisted for the oral interview phase, from which successful applicants would emerge for the overseas postgraduate scholarship award.

Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, noted that the computer-based examination process enhanced credibility because candidates saw their scores immediately after completing the tests.

“As soon as the computer-based exams are concluded, the scores pop up instantly for candidates to see, which demonstrates transparency and integrity,” she said.

She added that beneficiaries of the scholarship would be encouraged to return and deploy their acquired knowledge toward the development of the Niger Delta region.

Chairman of the interview panel and lecturer at Niger Delta University, Prof. Beleudanyo Fente, praised the NDDC for sustaining an initiative aimed at improving educational opportunities for youths in the region.

Fente assured that the panel remained committed to selecting only the most qualified candidates, insisting there was no room for compromise in the exercise.

The consultant for the scholarship programme, Chief Godson Ideozu, described the process as dependable and hitch-free since its commencement.

He disclosed that out of the 12,277 applicants, 5,986 candidates passed the CBT stage, while 2,492 advanced to the oral interview stage. He added that successful candidates would later be invited for a departure briefing.

One of the candidates, Mrs Akindoyeni Oluwabukunmi, described the process as transparent and satisfactory, noting that the scholarship would help her acquire knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Niger Delta region.

Rivers: Chinda Emerges APC’s Governorship Candidate After Fubara, Others Pull Out

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Rivers: Chinda Emerges APC’s Governorship Candidate After Fubara, Others Pull Out

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday declared Kingsley Chinda as its governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections after other aspirants, including incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, withdrew from the race.

Chinda emerged unopposed in the party’s governorship primary held in Port Harcourt, underscoring the shifting political dynamics within the Rivers APC amid the lingering crisis in the state.

Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee and returning officer, Bitrus Kwamoti, announced the result at the party secretariat after collation of votes from the 23 local government areas.

Declaring the outcome, Kwamoti said Chinda, the sole aspirant in the exercise, polled 268,497 votes.

“The name of the aspirant, which is the sole aspirant, is Chinda Ogundu Kingsley. He scored a total of 268,497 votes,” he stated.

“Having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, Chinda Ogundu Kingsley is hereby declared winner of the primary election and returned elected as the party’s governorship candidate for Rivers State.”

The primary attracted widespread attention following reports of the withdrawal of Governor Fubara and other aspirants amid mounting political realignments linked to the influence of allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, within the APC structure in Rivers State.

Fubara’s withdrawal had fuelled speculations over his political future and the direction of the power struggle that has continued to shape politics in the oil-rich state.

Nigeria’s Energy Future Takes Centre Stage As CIFAL Global Network, UNITAR Webinar Series Holds At RSU, Friday

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Nigeria’s Energy Future Takes Centre Stage As CIFAL Global Network, UNITAR Webinar Series Holds At RSU, Friday

A coalition of international scholars and policy experts will on Friday shift global attention to Nigeria’s energy future as the second edition of a three-part webinar series examines the country’s struggle to balance economic growth, energy security and the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The webinar series, titled “The Politics of Power: Energy Security, Resource Wealth and the Global Energy Transition,” is being organised under the CIFAL Global Network and United Nations Institute for Training and Research, with sessions hosted by leading academic institutions in Australia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Friday’s session to be hosted by CIFAL Nigeria at Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Port Harcourt, will focus on the implications of the global energy transition for Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, amid mounting concerns over declining global dependence on fossil fuels and the challenge of expanding domestic energy access.

The organisers said the session would interrogate how Nigeria can sustain economic prosperity while pursuing a just and sustainable transition to renewable energy sources.

The webinar, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Nigerian time, will feature presentations from leading scholars and energy experts, including Prof. Augustine A. Ikein, a Fulbright postdoctoral fellow and Professor Emeritus at the Federal University, Otuoke,BayelsaState; Prof. Kingsley Okpara of the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM), Rivers State University; and Dr. Uduak Akpan, a postdoctoral researcher at SOAS, University of London with extensive experience in Africa’s energy and economic transformation, including work with the African Development Bank.

According to the organisers, the webinar series is designed to bring together global perspectives on one of the defining policy questions of the 21st century — how nations rich in natural resources can achieve energy security and economic stability while advancing a fair transition to cleaner energy systems.

Participants who attend all three sessions will receive certificates of participation from the CIFAL Global Network and UNITAR, while recordings will also be made available to registered attendees.

Stakeholders, policymakers, academics and industry players have been urged to participate in the discussions and contribute to shaping the future of global energy systems.

Registration for the webinar is available via https://uonewcastle.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y2W4u2qMSc6UHP_7Gbd9EA#/registration

16 Corps Members To Repeat Service As NYSC Passes Out 2,998 In Rivers

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16 Corps Members To Repeat Service As NYSC Passes Out 2,998 In Rivers

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers State has directed 16 corps members to repeat their service year, while two others will undergo extension of service as 2,998 members of the 2025 Batch A Stream II completed their national assignment.

The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, disclosed this during the low-key passing-out ceremony held at Port Harcourt City and Tai Local Government Areas.

According to him, the outgoing corps members comprised 1,181 males and 1,817 females.
Oleghe also revealed that one corps member died during the service year.

Mr Moses Oleghe congratulating one of the corps members.

The NYSC coordinator, however, praised the corps members for their dedication and outstanding contributions to their host communities across Rivers State.

He described their work ethic as “impressive and highly commendable,” noting that many of them impacted positively in the areas of education, primary healthcare, agriculture and rural infrastructure.

Oleghe urged the outgoing corps members to continue to uphold the core values of the NYSC, including integrity, honesty, discipline, loyalty and patriotism.

He advised them to place humanity above tribal, ethnic and religious differences in their future endeavours.

According to him, the ideals of nation-building and peaceful coexistence can only be achieved when citizens show empathy and commitment to the collective good irrespective of background.

He further encouraged the corps members to remain worthy ambassadors of the scheme wherever they find themselves after service.

NYSC Begins 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation June 10

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NYSC Begins 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation June 10

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the orientation course for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I prospective corps members will commence nationwide on June 10, 2026.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme said the exercise would begin with the reception and registration of corps members in orientation camps across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the statement, registration will end at midnight on Friday, June 12.

The NYSC also disclosed that the swearing-in ceremony for the prospective corps members mobilised for the service year would hold on Friday, June 12, while the orientation course is expected to conclude on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The scheme wished all mobilised graduates safe journeys to their respective camps and reiterated its warning against night travel.

It advised prospective corps members to break their journeys by 6 p.m. and pass the night at safe locations, including corps members’ lodges, military formations, police stations, police outposts, and the palaces of traditional rulers, before continuing their trips the next day.

RIWAMA Partners WasteWise To Deploy Smart Waste Collection System In Rivers

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RIWAMA Partners WasteWise To Deploy Smart Waste Collection System In Rivers

The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has partnered with WasteWise Inc Ltd to launch a technology-driven waste collection system aimed at improving sanitation and reducing indiscriminate refuse disposal across the state.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, also opened onboarding for Private Service Providers (PSPs), waste evacuators and vendors operating within Rivers State.

Managing Director of RIWAMA, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, said the new digital system would formalise waste collection operations and phase out unregulated refuse handlers.

According to him, the initiative is designed to tackle indiscriminate dumping on road medians, canals and waterways while improving environmental monitoring across Port Harcourt and neighbouring local government areas.

“A waste collector is now just a call away,” Wokoma stated.

He explained that the WasteWise platform uses real-time data to optimise collection routes and ensure efficient service delivery, especially in hard-to-reach areas inaccessible to larger trucks.

“Where bigger trucks cannot access, licensed PSPs can reach those areas by design,” he added.

Wokoma further disclosed that the digital onboarding process would enable RIWAMA to monitor waste movement from households to designated environmentally managed dumpsites, thereby preventing illegal diversion and supporting data generation for recycling initiatives.

Founder of WasteWise Inc Ltd and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hagion International Ltd, Afekemor O. Gift, said the project would encourage separation of recyclable materials at source through trained PSPs.

He noted that the approach would not only prolong the lifespan of dumpsites but also provide raw materials for local recycling industries.
Gift added that vendors participating in the scheme would receive training on environmentally sustainable waste management practices capable of creating green jobs.

Chief Operating Officer of WasteWise Inc Ltd, Ikiriko Prosper Pepple, said the “call-away” waste collection model would help prevent refuse from accumulating for days in residential areas.

According to him, quicker waste evacuation would reduce methane emissions, curb the spread of disease vectors and minimise flooding caused by blocked drainage systems.

Wokoma said the partnership aligns with the environmental sustainability vision of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, aimed at restoring the state’s Garden City status through modern infrastructure and cleaner urban management.

Fubara Withdraws From Rivers APC Governorship Primaries, Cites Peace, Unity

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Fubara Withdraws From Rivers APC Governorship Primaries, Cites Peace, Unity

Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries in Rivers State, saying his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in the state.

In a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, the Rivers governor said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends and political associates.

Fubara described the move as “difficult but necessary,” stressing that leadership sometimes demands sacrifice and that the interest of Rivers State must come above personal ambition.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he stated.

The governor, however, pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate for the governorship election.

He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and committed to the party despite the disappointment his withdrawal may trigger among loyalists who had invested heavily in his political aspiration.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey — who gave their time, resources, prayers and unwavering hope — I offer my deepest gratitude,” he said.

Fubara acknowledged that many of his followers might feel hurt by the development, but insisted that his actions were guided by “the higher interest” of Rivers State.

In what appeared to be a veiled reference to the political tensions surrounding the state, the governor hinted at pressures and difficult circumstances behind his decision, but refrained from disclosing details.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” he said.

The governor further clarified that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he declared.

Fubara expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement during the process, while also thanking the APC for providing him a political platform.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.

Henry Seriake Dickson And Burden Of Defending Nigeria’s Multiparty Democracy

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Henry Seriake Dickson And Burden Of Defending Nigeria’s Multiparty Democracy

At a time when concerns over shrinking political space and the dominance of powerful ruling structures continue to shape national discourse, former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has emerged as one of the country’s most consistent advocates of constitutional democracy and multiparty politics.

For more than two decades in public service, Dickson has built a political identity anchored on the defence of democratic institutions, constitutional order, and political plurality, often taking positions many of his contemporaries avoided in the face of political pressure and shifting alliances.

From his early years in the House of Representatives to his tenure as governor between 2012 and 2020, and now as senator and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Dickson’s political trajectory has remained closely tied to issues of institutional governance and democratic accountability.

As governor of Bayelsa State, he repeatedly argued that democracy could only survive where institutions, rather than personalities, drive governance. At a period when defections to ruling parties became a recurring feature of Nigerian politics, Dickson maintained his place within opposition politics, insisting that credible opposition remained essential for democratic balance and accountability.

His administration in Bayelsa was associated with investments in education, infrastructure development, civic participation, and relative political stability, while his public interventions frequently focused on constitutionalism, freedom of expression, and the need to protect democratic institutions from political intimidation.
Long before his governorship, Dickson had already established himself as an influential voice on justice sector reforms and constitutional development during his time in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the House Committee on Justice.

In that capacity, he supported and sponsored legislative initiatives relating to electoral reforms, anti-corruption measures, freedom of information, and internal democracy within political parties.

His interventions on national issues became even more pronounced following his emergence in the Senate, where he has consistently spoken on matters relating to federalism, constitutional reforms, electoral integrity, and institutional independence.

In recent years, Dickson has also become one of the prominent political figures warning against the dangers of a one-party state in Nigeria. While several politicians aligned themselves with dominant political structures, he continued to argue that Nigeria’s diversity and democratic evolution require a robust multiparty system capable of offering citizens credible alternatives.

His criticism of actions perceived as unconstitutional, including what he described as executive overreach and anti-democratic tendencies, further reinforced his reputation as one of the country’s outspoken defenders of constitutional governance.

The emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress marked another significant phase in his political journey. According to Dickson and his supporters, the platform was founded on the conviction that Nigeria requires a viable democratic alternative capable of strengthening national unity, democratic competition, and institutional accountability.

Explaining his alignment with the movement, Dickson warned against any political development capable of weakening democratic freedoms or eroding opposition politics in the country.

Supporters of the platform describe it as more than a conventional political party, but rather an ideological movement aimed at rebuilding public confidence in democratic participation and leadership driven by service, reform, and national inclusion.

Across different phases of his career — as Attorney-General, legislator, governor, and senator — Dickson has maintained a largely consistent political philosophy centred on institutional democracy, constitutional order, and political inclusion.

For many observers, that consistency has distinguished him in a political environment often shaped by expediency and shifting loyalties.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with questions surrounding democratic consolidation, electoral reforms, and political inclusion, Dickson’s supporters argue that his interventions and political posture have positioned him among the enduring voices advocating the protection of Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

 

By Gabriel Ukuta

Amaechi Says Rivers Record Will Speak For Him In 2027 Presidential Race …As ADC Screens Candidates

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Amaechi Says Rivers Record Will Speak For Him In 2027 Presidential Race …As ADC Screens Candidates

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, on Wednesday declared that his performance during his tenure as governor would serve as his strongest campaign message as he seeks the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 election.

Amaechi spoke after appearing before the ADC Presidential Screening Committee at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and economist Muhammed Hayatu-Deen were also screened.

The former Minister of Transportation said he was confident Nigerians would judge him based on his record in office, particularly his years as governor of Rivers State.

“My tenure as governor will campaign for me,” Amaechi told journalists shortly after the exercise.

He also dismissed suggestions that he entered the race to negotiate for a vice-presidential slot, insisting that he purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the presidency.

“I did not buy the form to be anybody’s deputy,” he stated.

Amaechi further blamed the country’s worsening insecurity on systemic failure and widespread youth unemployment, arguing that the political leadership had failed to address the social and economic conditions fuelling crime and violence.

He promised to confront insecurity decisively if elected president.

On the possibility of a consensus arrangement within the party, Amaechi said he would accept the outcome provided all aspirants were carried along in a transparent and inclusive process.

“If that is the party’s decision, and it is a process all of us participated in, then why not?” he said.

The screening committee was chaired by former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke.

Meanwhile, Hayatu-Deen described the ADC as the most credible platform to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress, warning that Nigeria could no longer afford “politics without direction” amid growing hardship, unemployment, and insecurity.

Atiku, on his part, presented what he termed an economic rescue blueprint and security action plan focused on job creation, fiscal discipline, investor confidence, and intelligence-driven security operations.

APC Final Rivers Assembly List Excludes Fubara Loyalists

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APC Final Rivers Assembly List Excludes Fubara Loyalists

Several loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were absent from the final list of cleared aspirants released by the All Progressives Congress for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries, in a development seen as strengthening the influence of allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among those excluded are former factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, both considered key allies of Governor Fubara during the prolonged political crisis in the state.

The duo had earlier been listed among 65 aspirants disqualified by the party’s screening committee.

Although some of the affected aspirants reportedly filed appeals before a committee chaired by Abdul Mahmud, no official communication on the outcome of the appeal process was made public before the release of the final list by the party’s National Secretariat.

The document, however, cleared several figures believed to be aligned with Wike, including Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, House Leader, Major Jack, and 34 other aspirants contesting seats across the state’s 32 constituencies.

A screening list released by the APC showed that more than 60 aspirants were not cleared to contest the assembly primaries across various constituencies in the state.

Several of those affected are believed to be loyalists of Fubara and members of his political camp amid the lingering crisis in Rivers politics.

Among those not cleared are Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo, Tamunodiepriye Fubara Goodluck Ohaka, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, Prince Emukighro Fubara, and Tamunobaraiba George.

The list also showed that aspirants from constituencies including Okrika, Khana, Omuma, Ahoada East, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Andoni and Akuku-Toru were affected by the screening outcome.

The outcome is expected to further deepen the political divide within Rivers State, as the APC primary structure appears to have tilted in favour of the Wike-backed bloc.

Reacting to the development, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, said the final list was transmitted by the party’s national leadership.

He advised aspirants to verify their status at the party secretariat located along the Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road in Port Harcourt, noting that the publication was strictly for verification purposes.

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