NDDC Chairman Encourages Scholars to Claim Their Permanent Voter Cards

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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the region to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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Ogbuku said the PVC remains a key tool for influencing decisions and electing leaders whose values align with the aspirations of Nigerian youths.

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He spoke at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

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This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

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Represented by the Director of Social Services, Jeremiah Oritsejolone, Ogbuku described participation in elections as a demonstration of citizens’ belief in a country with the potential to grow and develop.

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“The Nigerian youths are the heartbeat of the new Nigeria that we all seek. Your energy, brilliance and voice would determine the direction our nation takes.

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“For your voice to be heard, you must collect your PVC as the process gives you the opportunity to influence decisions, shape governance and demand accountability,” he said.

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Ogbuku noted that since assuming office, the commission has sustained transformation and capacity-building programmes across the Niger Delta, and encouraged students to register and collect their PVCs ahead of future elections.

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He added that the interventionist agency would continue to support initiatives that promote civic participation and empower young people.

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Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts to strengthen democracy through voter education.

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“We are carrying out this exercise in all the universities in the region to give orientation and broaden students’ horizon on the need for them to collect their PVCs and actively participate in the voting exercise, as we believe that this is another way for the youths to control the economy,” he said.

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He expressed optimism that the programme would be sustained in the coming years.

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