The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting science and technology education by equipping young girls with vital skills for the 21st century.
Through its latest initiative—the Girl Child STEM Competition—the Commission aims to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while fostering innovation and future leadership in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Commission’s Director of Education, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, particularly among young girls.
“This competition has offered tremendous benefits by equipping participants with the technological and problem-solving skills they need for the future,” Chukwudifu said, commending the NDDC Board and Management for prioritizing education and youth development.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Continue Eletu, who represented the Director of the Rivers State Office, said the initiative aligns with the Commission’s strategic priorities under the current leadership. He reiterated that the Ogbuku-led administration is committed to empowering girls across the region.
“This competition provides a platform for young girls to excel in mathematics, science, and engineering—fields that are crucial for innovation and national development,” Eletu said, adding that the program is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by highlighting the broader societal impact of educating girls: “When you train a girl, you train a nation.”
Chief Godson Ideozu, the Lead Consultant for the programme, described the competition as the result of a rigorous selection process, involving participants from all nine Niger Delta states. He revealed that the next phase would focus on mentorship and sustained engagement in STEM fields.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the top-performing students. The overall winner, Miss Jegede Osamagbe, expressed her appreciation, saying, “I thank the NDDC for this opportunity. To every young girl out there—if you can imagine it, you can achieve it.”
