🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
NDDC urges foreign postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries to shun drugs and maintain academic excellence
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
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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Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, called on media practitioners to be ambassadors of truth and uphold ethical standards to support national security and development. Speaking at the closing of the Directorate of Army Public Relations Media Workshop 2026 in Abuja, Anele emphasized the media's critical role in shaping national security outcomes through accurate and responsible reporting. The workshop, themed "Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success," highlighted the strategic importance of media operations and the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence AI in improving information management and rapid communication. Anele stated that AI is a strategic necessity, not a luxury, in today's information environment. She stressed that information is a decisive operational component and that success in modern military operations requires synergy between armed services, security agencies, and the media. Anele urged participants to apply the workshop's lessons to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and responsibility, thereby countering misinformation and strengthening public confidence in security operations. She concluded by commending all contributors for their commitment to a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria.
Must ReadA coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, trade unions, youth groups, and other associations has announced nationwide protests and mass action for June 12. The groups, including the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and the #EndBadGovernance Movement, are protesting worsening insecurity, escalating economic hardship, and deteriorating living conditions for millions of Nigerians. They aim to demand the immediate release of Nigerians held captive in various states, highlighting that there is nothing to celebrate on June 12 due to ongoing fear of attacks from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. The coalition stated that government responses to insecurity have been largely inadequate, with communities attacked, schools threatened, and highways unsafe. They also criticized the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, such as fuel subsidy removal, repeated fuel price increases, currency devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs, which they say have pushed millions into deeper poverty despite increased government allocations. The coalition urged Nigerians to join the protests to compel the government to address insecurity and reverse what they describe as anti-poor economic policies.
Must ReadHope Uzodimma, Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, announced that the All Progressives Congress APC has recruited 4,421,150 individuals across Nigeria's 176,846 polling units as part of its mobilization strategy for the 2027 elections. Speaking at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Retreat in Abuja, Uzodimma, who is also the Governor of Imo State, expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu's performance would secure him a second term. He detailed a layered command structure for mobilization, from a national coordinating center down to polling units, and highlighted the RHA's 17 directorates covering various aspects like youth, media, and technology. The RHA also launched a digital platform in April with a Data Communication Centre to track public sentiment and counter misinformation. Uzodimma described the 2027 elections as a referendum on Nigeria's path of reform, stability, and shared prosperity, urging participants to create actionable plans rather than just speeches. He defended the administration's policies, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, as difficult but necessary for Nigeria's economic future, citing a 3.89% GDP growth in Q1 2026 and major infrastructure projects. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda echoed these sentiments, noting economic gains such as over $50 billion in foreign reserves, a N7.55 trillion trade surplus in Q1 2026, and a fresh $20 billion inve