Determined to change the narratives and empower the Youths through a delibrate educational policies ,the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has held a moot and trial Court competition for selected 13 universities across the Niger Delta region.

The competition which is an annual event attracted key players in the legal profession including those in the private and education sectors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event held at the Dr Nabo Graham Douglas port harcourt campus of the Nigerian law School, tuesday,the managing Director/chief executive officer , NDDC , Chief Samuel Ogbuku,ph,D said the essence of the program was to promote and strengthened the legal education in the region in other to advance the course of development in the region.

Ogbuku averred that the commission will continue to give the youths in the region the sense of belonging in the country, especially those in the legal pursuit the opportunity to be exposed to better knowledge so that they can represent the region better in future , adding that the commission have resolved to sponsor the best participating university at the end of the three days event to a one month funded internship program at O,C,J Okocha’s chamber in port harcourt.

“It is our belief in the NDDC that legal advocacy can play a significant role to addressing the challenges that bedeviled the Niger Delta region and proffer solutions to those challenges”

The Nddc managing director used the opportunity to call for partnership between the commission and the council for legal education and the State NBA so that they can own up the program and ensure its sustainance and assured that the Commission will continue to sponsor it.

He charged the students to engage in intellectual stimulating arguments that highlight the peculiarities of the region and canvas solutions that Will guide and shape future law making thereby facilitating the even rapid and sustainable development of our beloved region.

Also speaking , the Director, legal services/Board secretary ,NDDC, Stephen Onome Ighomuaye opined that moot court system is a key vehicle for developing the spirit of teamwork , adding that it also comes with benefits of networking .

“This is very important for deepening both intellectual and regional integration for us in the Niger Delta”

“Through the moot Court competition ,we bring together law students (future lawyers) from universities across the region in a healthy contest, frame facts from legal issues peculiar to the socio_political environment of the region” he stated

In his speech, the special guest of honor,chief OCJ Okocha commended NDDC for the program , stressing that it will lay a strong foundation and have impactful effects to the development of the upcoming lawyers and drive the desired developments of the region.

Climax of the event was presentation of Educational support materials and weekly law report books to the participating universities by chairman of the Governing board of CV NDDC, mr Chiedu Ebie Esq. as well as good will messages from NBA port harcourt branch and other invited guests .

Akujobi Amadi