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NDDC Boss Samuel Ogbuku Urges Niger Delta Students to Grab PVCs During Massive Democracy Campaign in Yenagoa

Oke Tope
By Oke Tope

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, has called on students across tertiary institutions in the Niger Delta to take voter registration seriously by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to him, the PVC is more than just a voting document.

He described it as a powerful tool that allows young Nigerians to influence leadership choices, demand accountability, and shape the future of the country through democratic participation.

Call for Youth Participation in Democracy

Ogbuku made the appeal during the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme held in Yenagoa.

The event was organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment as part of efforts to increase political awareness among university students in the region.

A statement released in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, explained that the commission believes young people must play a more active role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Representing Ogbuku at the programme was the Director of Social Services, Jeremiah Oritsejolone.

“The Youths Will Decide Nigeria’s Direction”

Speaking to students at the event, Ogbuku stressed that the future of Nigeria depends heavily on the choices made by young citizens.

He said Nigerian youths possess the energy, creativity, and intelligence needed to transform the nation.

He encouraged students not to stay away from the political process, noting that collecting a PVC gives them the legal power to influence governance and hold elected leaders responsible for their actions.

According to him, participation in elections reflects citizens’ belief that Nigeria can still grow into a better and more stable country.

NDDC Highlights Ongoing Youth Development Programmes

The NDDC boss also used the occasion to highlight some of the commission’s ongoing empowerment and capacity-building initiatives across the Niger Delta.

Since assuming office, he said the interventionist agency has focused on programmes aimed at improving opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and civic engagement.

He added that the commission would continue supporting initiatives that encourage political awareness and youth empowerment in the region.

The NDDC has in recent years expanded scholarship schemes, entrepreneurship training, and community development projects as part of efforts to address unemployment and social challenges affecting the oil-rich region.

Project New Nigeria Targets Universities Across the Region

Earlier at the programme, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Samuel Okani, explained that the campaign was created to support government efforts aimed at deepening democracy through voter education.

He revealed that organisers plan to visit universities throughout the Niger Delta to sensitise students on the importance of registering for elections and participating actively in the voting process.

Okani said many young people often complain about poor leadership yet fail to engage politically.

According to him, voting gives youths an opportunity to influence economic and political decisions that directly affect their future.

He also expressed confidence that the voter awareness initiative would continue in the years ahead.

Rising Concern Over Youth Political Apathy

Nigeria has repeatedly faced concerns about low voter turnout among young people despite youths making up a large percentage of the country’s population.

During previous elections, analysts observed that many eligible young voters either failed to register, did not collect their PVCs, or stayed away from polling units on election day.

Civil society groups and electoral observers have argued that increasing youth participation could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as younger voters continue to demand reforms, accountability, job creation, and improved governance.

Campaigns like Project New Nigeria are therefore seen as part of wider efforts to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and the electoral system.

Impact and Consequences

The renewed push for PVC registration among students could have major political and social consequences in the Niger Delta and beyond.

If more young people participate in elections, political parties may begin paying closer attention to issues affecting students and unemployed graduates.

Increased youth turnout could also pressure elected officials to become more responsive to public demands.

For the NDDC, supporting civic engagement programmes may improve public confidence in the agency’s commitment to youth development and regional progress.

On the other hand, failure to sustain voter education campaigns could mean continued political apathy among young citizens, limiting their influence in national decision-making.

What’s Next?

Organisers of Project New Nigeria are expected to continue sensitisation campaigns across universities and other tertiary institutions in the Niger Delta.

Students will likely be encouraged to take advantage of future voter registration exercises conducted by INEC ahead of upcoming elections.

The NDDC is also expected to maintain its support for youth-focused initiatives tied to leadership development, civic participation, and community empowerment.

Political observers believe that as the next election cycle approaches, more organisations may begin targeting first-time voters and students with awareness programmes aimed at increasing participation.

Summary

The Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in the Niger Delta to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in elections.

Speaking during the launch of Project New Nigeria in Yenagoa, he described the PVC as an important instrument for shaping governance and demanding accountability.

Organisers of the initiative say the campaign is designed to educate youths on the importance of voting and strengthening democracy through active civic participation.

Bulleted Takeaways

  • Samuel Ogbuku urged students to obtain their PVCs.
  • The appeal was made during the launch of Project New Nigeria in Yenagoa.
  • The programme focused on voter education and youth participation in democracy.
  • Ogbuku said youths have the power to influence governance through voting.
  • The NDDC pledged continued support for civic engagement and empowerment initiatives.
  • Project New Nigeria plans to expand sensitisation campaigns to universities across the Niger Delta.
  • Organisers believe active youth participation can help shape Nigeria’s political and economic future.
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About Oke Tope

Temitope Oke is an experienced copywriter and editor. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and global trends, he crafts compelling, persuasive, and engaging content tailored to various audiences. His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and brand messaging. He works with diverse clients, helping them communicate effectively through clear, concise, and impactful language. Passionate about storytelling, he combines creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that resonate.