- The NDDC Director EHSS, Engr Jeremiah Oritsejolone (2nd left), presenting an iPad to a UNIUYO student, Mr Bokeime Joel Emmanuel (2nd right), during Project New Nigeria and voter Education and sensitisation at the University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. With them are the Convener, Project New Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Nzidee (right) and the NDDC Deputy Director, EHSS, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue (left)
By SCM Correspondent I Saturday, August 08,
UYO, Akwa Ibom — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a comprehensive civic sensitisation campaign aimed at educating tertiary institution students on the critical importance of voter registration and active participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The exercise, held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in collaboration with Project New Nigeria, forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to align youth empowerment with national civic responsibility.
Addressing the students, the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, underscored the need to strengthen democratic institutions through informed voter turnout. Oritsejolone, who represented the Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. Patience Ezugu, stated that building a resilient democracy hinges on an active and registered electorate.
”Our goals and objectives are to empower youths with the knowledge they need to participate confidently and responsibly in the electoral process. Every eligible citizen deserves the opportunity to make their voices heard,” Oritsejolone said.
He urged students who have reached the voting age to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of upcoming elections. “You are the heart of the New Nigeria we all seek; your energy, brilliance, and voice will determine the direction our nation takes. For your voices to be heard, you need to take the simple, powerful step: register to vote and collect your PVC, without which you cannot exercise your civic responsibility.”
Oritsejolone noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes youth empowerment, civic engagement, inclusive governance, and restoring public trust in democratic institutions. He added that the initiative reflects the current NDDC management’s strategic shift from transactional operations to transformational development mandates centered on sustainable human capital.
Educational Support and Grants
Highlighting the social support component of the campaign, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Nzidee, remarked that driving a new paradigm of leadership requires addressing the immediate socioeconomic challenges faced by students.
During the event, Project New Nigeria paid the tuition fees for 210 students of the university, including 10 persons living with disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, electronic tablets were distributed to 15 first-year students to aid their academic studies.
”Youths are the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow, but this can only be achieved through the electoral process,” Nzidee told the gathering. “Register and collect your PVCs—it is your power to vote. Use your votes to request a better future and demand a seat at the table.”
Nzidee commended the NDDC management for providing the institutional backing necessary to execute the project successfully.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, Moses Patrick, a 100-level Philosophy student who received an electronic tablet, commended the NDDC and Project New Nigeria for the intervention and called for the continuation of such developmental programs across the Niger Delta region.
