Sixteen law faculties from universities across the Niger Delta region have gathered in Port Harcourt for the 2026 Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Moot and Mock Trial Competition.

The competition opened on Monday at the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt Campus. The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening legal education and human capacity development as key drivers of sustainable growth in the region.

Mr. Ebie said legal advocacy plays a strategic role in shaping confident and competent legal minds that can address the challenges confronting the Niger Delta.

He explained that the moot court competition was originally conceived as an annual programme but was suspended for about eight years. He added that the current Governing Board revived it and that the 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year it has been held.

The Board Chairman also highlighted the commission’s Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. He said 200 indigent students from the Niger Delta, aged below 40, are selected annually for one-year postgraduate programmes abroad.

According to him, “The NDDC spends about $40,000 per beneficiary, in addition to a pre-departure grant of approximately ?6.5 million to support related expenses.”

He disclosed that 51 beneficiaries graduated with distinctions in 2023, while 59 recorded distinctions in 2024. Due to the high number of applications, more than 10,000 for only 200 slots, the commission introduced a domestic postgraduate scholarship. Under it, 1,000 deserving students receive ?5 million each to pursue postgraduate studies in Nigerian institutions.

Beyond scholarships, Mr. Ebie said the NDDC is investing in university infrastructure, particularly student accommodation. He cited the construction of a 200-bed hostel at Niger Delta University, Amassoma, and disclosed plans for similar projects at the University of Benin and the University of Delta, Abraka.

The commission further linked the moot and mock trial competition to its broader efforts to use law and legal advocacy to address development challenges in the Niger Delta. It recalled its recent Law and Development Summit, which brought together civil leaders and experts to examine the relationship between law and sustainable development.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged law students to deploy their skills for regional development. Represented by the Director of Finance and Administration, Hon. Boma Iyaye, he described moot court competitions as critical platforms for equipping aspiring lawyers with practical advocacy skills.

Delivering the keynote address, retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Mary Ukaego Odili, urged students to embrace moot court competitions as a veritable platform for building confidence before entering legal practice. She said such contests bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of courtroom advocacy.

In a goodwill message, the 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, commended the NDDC for the initiative. He advised the competing students that the competition was more than winning a trophy. “As you participate, learn to research thoroughly, think independently, listen carefully, speak confidently, and argue respectfully,” he stated.

By Akujobi Amadi

PORT HARCOURT

Former Councillor of the Oyigbo Legislative Assembly, High Chief (Hon.) Godson Chukwudi Oyegorom, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Haggai International School of Divinity, an affiliate of Open University, USA.
Oyegorom was among the graduands honoured during an epoch-making graduation and empowerment ceremony held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Oyigbo, Rivers State, where more than 200 beneficiaries also received training and empowerment in various skills.
The ceremony attracted friends, relatives, in-laws, community leaders and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.
Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Director-General of Haggai International School of Divinity, Prof. Kotoye, said the programme, which commenced two years ago, had successfully produced graduates in different areas of academic and skills development.
According to him, the programme was structured in two phases, with participants graduating with Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as acquiring practical skills in various fields.
Prof. Kotoye urged the graduating students to focus on personal growth, capacity building and contributing meaningfully to the development of society.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduates produced by the institution, noting that they had been properly tested, groomed and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make positive contributions to society.
The Director-General said the establishment of Haggai International School of Divinity in the Garden City had contributed to educational advancement in Rivers State while empowering youths to excel in various areas of human endeavour.
He expressed confidence that the graduands would live up to expectations by applying the knowledge and skills acquired towards achieving their personal aspirations and contributing to the development of society.
Prof. Kotoye also commended the member representing Oyigbo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Prince Gerald Oforji, for his support towards the success of the programme.
He disclosed that the lawmaker contributed more than 60 per cent of the resources deployed for the empowerment and skills acquisition component of the programme, describing his contribution as worthy of commendation.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Dr. Godson Oyegorom expressed gratitude to God for enabling him and his colleagues to successfully complete the programme.
Oyegorom described the attainment of the PhD as a major milestone for him and his family, attributing the achievement to the grace of God, dedication, hard work and passion.
He noted that the accomplishment had brought immense joy to the Oyegorom family, particularly as he had followed in the footsteps of his elder sister, who he said was the first PhD holder in their kindred.
“I am happy that the academic journey which started two years ago has finally come to fruition. This was achieved through dedication, hard work and passion,” he said.
He encouraged youths to remain dedicated and committed to their education, personal development, God and the service of humanity.
The former councillor also thanked members of the Oyigbo Ex-Councillors Forum, friends, family members and other well-wishers for their support and solidarity throughout his academic journey.

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Rivers State Council, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for commissioning several landmark projects initiated by his administration, despite the political challenges that have confronted the state in recent times.
The union also called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill earlier presented by the governor.
Chairman of the NCSU, Rivers State Council, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, made the position known during an interview in Port Harcourt.
Osumah said the union was pleased that the Fubara administration had continued to deliver and commission projects across the state despite the political challenges it had encountered.
He described the development as “soothing, heart-warming and commendable,” noting that the completion and commissioning of the projects demonstrated the governor’s commitment to delivering on his promises to the people of Rivers State.
According to him, it is worthy of celebration that Governor Fubara has remained focused on governance and ensured the completion of several major projects that are now being commissioned across the State.
He assured the governor of the support and solidarity of civil servants, saying members of the NCSU would continue to attend commissioning ceremonies across the State to identify with the administration and celebrate its achievements.
Osumah, who also doubles as Secretary of the Joint National Public Negotiating Council (JNC), Rivers State Council, said such support was equally a demonstration of the workers’ appreciation for what he described as the administration’s positive interventions in the welfare of civil servants over the past three years.
“We want to tell him boldly, clearly and in unequivocal terms that we are solidly behind him. Wherever he goes and wherever he pitches his political tent, that is where we will go. The civil servants are truly happy with him,” he said.
The NCSU chairman also commended Governor Fubara for what he described as his peaceful disposition and commitment to the welfare of workers in the State.
On the prevailing political situation in Rivers State, Osumah expressed satisfaction with the relative peace and political stability in the State, stressing that a peaceful environment was essential for meaningful development.
He therefore appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to take advantage of the current peaceful atmosphere to expedite the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, and applauded them for coming to terms with the Governor.
He noted that the passage of the budget would ultimately facilitate the overall development of the State.
According to him, the passage of the budget would also provide the necessary financial framework for the governor to complete and commission other ongoing projects initiated by his administration before the end of his tenure in 2027.
While appreciating the lawmakers for accepting and receiving the Appropriation Bill for consideration, Osumah urged them to reciprocate Governor Fubara’s stated willingness to work with the Assembly and the Rainbow Coalition by giving the bill speedy consideration and passage.
He maintained that a harmonious working relationship among the executive, legislature and other stakeholders would further strengthen peace and create the right atmosphere for the continued development of Rivers State.
The NCSU chairman reiterated the union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote workers’ welfare, peace, stability and sustainable development in the State.