
The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC has advised beneficiaries of its 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme to prioritize academic excellence, uphold good character, and avoid social vices, especially drug abuse, during their studies abroad. NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, addressed 200 scholarship awardees at a pre-departure briefing in Port Harcourt, urging them to be exemplary ambassadors for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria. He emphasized that the scholarship offers a unique chance to acquire knowledge and skills vital for regional development. Ogbuku noted that previous beneficiaries achieved academic distinction, with over 30 students earning distinctions in the last academic session. He assured prompt payment of scholarship allowances but warned that poor conduct or academic performance could lead to scholarship withdrawal. Ogbuku cautioned against drug abuse, highlighting its destructive impact and the need for young leaders with sound minds. Dr. Patience Ezugu, Director of Education, Health and Social Services, described the scheme as an investment in the Niger Delta's future, aimed at human capital development. Mrs. Angela Chukwudifu, Director of Education, advised scholars to secure travel and academic documents. Chief Godson Ideozu, the scholarship consultant, stated that 200 beneficiaries were selected from 2,492 candidates. Miss Aisosa Margaret from Edo State, the top candidate, will study Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the Uni
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadIran's oil ministry announced on Saturday that it sold $18 billion worth of oil during the recent war and subsequent ceasefire with the United States. The ministry stated that $11.5 billion in oil was sold during the war and an additional $6.5 billion during the ceasefire, which ended earlier this month. This revenue accounts for over 60 percent of the oil revenues projected in the annual budget amidst the crisis. However, in late June, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had indicated that Iran was unable to export oil due to a US blockade on its ports. The conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to Iranian retaliation against US allies. An April ceasefire largely halted the fighting, but hostilities resumed in early July as both sides contend for control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Benue State Government has initiated an investigation into a suspected Mpox case reported in the Konshisha Local Government Area. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, stated that the ministry activated its surveillance system and deployed officials to the Tyokula Achihi residence in Korinya, where the suspected case was reported. He emphasized that laboratory confirmation is necessary before diagnosing any case as Mpox, as skin rashes and fever can stem from various medical conditions. The Director of Public Health and the State Epidemiologist have deployed a Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer to the location for assessment, investigation, and sample collection. The commissioner urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to the nearest health facility. He confirmed that the state's disease surveillance system is active across all 23 local government areas and that the ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization for prompt detection and response to public health events. The public will be informed once investigation and laboratory findings are available.

Arsenal is reportedly exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although there has been no direct club-to-club contact. Vinicius, 26, is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and the Spanish club might consider selling him if a new agreement isn't reached, rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Arsenal is also considering other forwards, including Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is intensifying its efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, 19, after an initial bid of 拢85.4 million was rejected. Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest in Diomande. Reports suggest that if Real Madrid secures Diomande, it could make Vinicius more open to a move, potentially boosting Arsenal's chances. Vinicius was the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or and is considered a key attacking player for Real Madrid, having also been named one of the club's captains for the new season. Arsenal is looking to strengthen its left-wing options this summer, having sold Leandro Trossard and signed Christos Tzolis.