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NDDC Scholars Turn Destitutes In UK
Some beneficiaries of the foreign scholarship scheme of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are presently lamenting their ordeals, following their alleged abandonment by the commission.
The affected scholars, mostly of the 2014/2015 batch of the scheme, accused the commission of abandoning them in the cold to rot away in foreign land without payment of their tuition and maintenance fees.
One of the affected scholars, Mr. Francis John (real name withheld), who spoke with The Tide in a phone interview, said the collective hope of the students of a rosy educational career in the United Kingdom has been dashed.
He said 200 beneficiaries emerged out of 3,000 applicants in a thorough academic test, and awarded scholarship letters of $30,000 for 1 year’s Masters Programme and $30,000 yearly for three years’ PhD programmes, but that the fees were never paid, accordingly.
The scholar said that some beneficiaries “have been unable to either continue their programmes or barred from collecting their certificates after graduation, due to a catalogue of debts on maintenance and tuition fees”.
He said; “As a result of non-payment of scholars’ tuition fees throughout the first semester, many students were forced to obtain loans from Nigeria to pay the bills after a long time”.
The move, he said was to meet registration deadlines and avoid cancellation of studentship and immigration status.
According to him, some of the students were now being chased by the universities’ credit agencies, as a result of high indebtedness.
The affected scholar said the misery they now pass through in foreign land was never envisaged at the initial stage of the programme, as they counted on the assurances of NDDC’s transparency in the scholarship scheme.
The scholar expressed disappointment over the antics of the NDDC toward the running of the scholarship scheme, alleging that the scheme was beclouded by “political colouration and partisan interest”.
“I don’t know why the 2014/2015 batch is being treated this way. Those who came to the scheme in January this year have had their tuition and other fees cleared. Is it because Dan Abia, the former MD, who belongs to PDP signed our letters? We have been use for political experiment”.
According to John, “Most of the affected scholars now walk out on daily basis on the street of their host countries in search of menial jobs to survive. We now live like destitute in the UK”.
He further explained that, “The commission asked us to send bank details after months of apparent silence from them on the matter, but money was never paid into our accounts”.
This, he said, led to a protest at the Nigerian High Commission in UK, which forced the commission to release some payments in 2016, of which most of the scholars were not paid.
The protest, he noted, prompted a visit of the NDDC’s delegation to scholars in respective universities in the UK and US, explaining that to date, no payment has been made.
He called for quick intervention by the Federal Government to save the affected scholars from further suffering.
It would be recalled that the present board of NDDC had emphasized the commitment of the commission towards sustaining the funding of the foreign scholarship, which started under the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government.
Efforts to get official comments of the NDDC on the matter were not fruitful as several calls sent to the commission were not replied.
Taneh Beemene
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol