THE Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Tony Okocha KSC JP DSSRS, has hinted that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will continue to partner with universities around the region to fastrack development.

He made this revelation, while speaking to newsmen at the sidelines of the 34th Convocation Ceremony of his Alma Mater, the University of Port Harcourt.

In his words ” The NDDC as an interventionist Agency , is making a difference in the Niger Delta Region , the Governing board understands that education is the bedrock of all development , that is why the commission is poised to partner with tertiary institutions around our region to ensure young men and women get neccesary educational support ”

He further stated ” It’s not news that NDDC carries out several projects in all universities in Niger Delta , the commission will keep doing so because the future of Niger Delta, lies in the education of our youths. Few weeks ago, the commission provided solar street lights for Uniport to increase security around the school premises and to ease student movement at night , I can assure you that the Governing board Chairman of the NDDC Board, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, the MD/CEO, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and other distinguished members of the 7th Governing Board , are very interested in supporting universities to ensure they give quality education to our youths ”

Chief Okocha also expressed satisfaction with the academic status of the University, his “Alma Mater”. He posited that he remains a proud product of the Unique University of Port Harcourt & advised Nigerian graduates against the habit of ‘Japaing’ out of the country upon graduation, stressing that such behavior is unpatriotic and will hinder Nigeria’s development.

Chief Tony, who also serves Chairman of APC in Rivers State, joined other dignitaries to grace the occasion.

He expressed his satisfaction with the outstanding academic status of “Uniport “. The event, which was held at the new Convocation Arena of the university, was well attended by distinguished personalities, including the Governor of Rivers State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, the Secretary of the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, and the Pro Chancellor of the University, amongst others.