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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged eligible students to register to vote and actively participate in the nation’s electoral process, stressing that youths have a critical role to play in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The Commission made the call during a sensitisation programme organised for students of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to educate them on the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and responsible participation in elections.
Speaking at the event, the NDDC Director, Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, who represented the Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, said informed and registered voters were essential to building a strong democratic system.
In a statement issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, on Saturday, Oritsejolone said the programme was designed to empower young people with the knowledge required to participate confidently and responsibly in the electoral process.
He stated: “Our goals and objectives are to empower youths with the knowledge they need to participate confidently and responsibly in the electoral process. Every eligible citizen deserves the opportunity to make their voices heard.”
Oritsejolone urged students who had attained the eligible voting age to take advantage of the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility, noting that the future of the country depended significantly on the active participation of young Nigerians.
“You are the heart of the New Nigeria we all seek; your energy, brilliance and voice will determine the direction our nation takes,” he said.
“For your voices to be heard, you need to take the simple, powerful step: register to vote, collect your PVC, without which you cannot exercise your Civic responsibility.”
The NDDC director said his passion for youth development informed his decision to partner with Project New Nigeria to make the programme a reality, noting that it was consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He said the agenda emphasised youth empowerment, civic responsibility, inclusive governance and the rebuilding of public trust in democratic institutions.
Oritsejolone added that the initiative was also in line with the current vision of the NDDC management to move the Commission from a transactional approach to a transformational development mandate focused on people, communities and sustainable impact.
Also speaking, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Nzidee, described the initiative as “a new way of thinking, a new way of leading the society,” stressing that young Nigerians must understand the power of their participation in the electoral process.
“There are many challenges you face as students, and we are here to assist you with some,” he said.
Nzidee described youths as the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow, but noted that their aspiration to lead could only be effectively achieved through participation in the electoral process.
He therefore urged the students to register and collect their PVCs, describing the card as their power to vote.
“You should use your votes to request a better future, to use your vote to demand a seat at the table,” he said.
As part of the programme, Project New Nigeria paid tuition fees for 210 students, including 10 persons living with disabilities, while 15 100-level students received electronic tablets.
Nzidee commended the NDDC for its partnership and institutional support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
One of the beneficiaries, Moses Patrick, a student of the Department of Philosophy who received an electronic tablet, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and Project New Nigeria for the initiative and appealed for more programmes of its kind in the future.
