Dr.-Samuel-Ogbuku,-Revolutionizing-NDDC:-Promoting-Literacy-and Digital-Education-in-the-Niger-Delta


Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Revolutionizing NDDC: Promoting Literacy and Digital Education in the Niger Delta

By Dave Ikiedei Asei
Published by Niger Delta Progressive Reporters | September 17th, 2025
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing literacy and digital education as vital tools for the sustainable development of the region. This vision was brought into focus during a seminar held at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute, Port Harcourt, to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day. The event, which followed a sensitisation walk on September 8 to create awareness on the significance of literacy, provided a platform for stakeholders to highlight the transformative power of education in shaping societies.

Speaking at the seminar, the NDDC Director in the Directorate of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. Awele Chukwudifo, emphasized the Commission’s dedication to equipping youths with skills beyond traditional literacy. She noted that literacy is more than just reading and writing; it is a pathway to self-confidence, economic empowerment, and national growth. According to her, “Literacy is a human right, and everyone deserves access not just to basic education, but also to the digital tools and knowledge that define the modern world.” She further explained that the seminar was designed to broaden students’ perspectives and empower them to harness technology for self-development in an increasingly digital age.

In his keynote lecture titled “Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Drive Innovation, Creativity, and Productivity,” Dr. Augustin Imikan underscored the importance of embracing digital tools in today’s competitive workforce. He highlighted both the opportunities and risks inherent in the digital era, stressing issues such as data privacy, security concerns, and misuse of information. He urged organisations to foster innovation, embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning, and align technological adoption with national development goals. “To stay relevant, we must embrace change. Emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for learning, growth, and global competitiveness,” he remarked.

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Jinyemiema Tamuno of Rivers State University delivered a paper titled “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era.” He described literacy as the foundation upon which nations build development, stressing that any country that neglects literacy risks stagnation and inequality. “Education is a fundamental human right. It opens the door to all other rights and freedoms. It empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, values, and behaviour needed to foster peace, respect, and equality,” he stated. Tamuno also cited UNESCO’s 2024 report, which revealed that over 739 million youths and adults globally still lack basic literacy skills. While pointing out that five NDDC states rank among Nigeria’s ten most literate, he expressed concern over the 28 per cent average dropout rate in the region, calling for intensified literacy campaigns.

At the heart of this renewed push for literacy and digital education lies the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC. His passion for uplifting the lives of the Niger Delta people has defined his leadership style. Under his watch, education has become a central pillar of the Commission’s programmes, with a focus on not only academic development but also the acquisition of entrepreneurial and digital skills that prepare youths for the demands of the modern economy. His approach has endeared him to many across the region, earning him recognition as a leader who genuinely invests in the future of the Niger Delta.

For Dr. Ogbuku, education is a vehicle for empowerment and transformation, and he has consistently demonstrated that building human capacity is the surest path to regional and national progress. His vision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education and skill acquisition as key drivers of economic growth and social stability. By promoting literacy and digital education, he is positioning the Niger Delta to thrive in an era defined by knowledge and innovation.

The momentum generated by the International Literacy Day seminar is a reflection of what is possible when leadership is grounded in vision and action. With the continued support of stakeholders and communities, Dr. Ogbuku’s efforts promise to shape a future where literacy and digital competence empower the youth of the Niger Delta to compete, innovate, and succeed on both national and global stages.


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