At UNIUYO, NDDC, Project New Nigeria Mobilise Students For Civic Participation
By JULIET EKANEM
Commission Takes Civic Education to Students
THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged eligible students of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, to register to vote and actively participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Commission made the call during a voter sensitisation programme organised for students as part of efforts to promote civic responsibility and strengthen democratic participation among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, said informed and registered voters were essential to the development of a strong democratic system.
Oritsejolone represented the NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu.
Students Urged to Use Their Electoral Power
Oritsejolone encouraged eligible students to take advantage of voter registration and participate responsibly in elections.
He said young people represented an important constituency in determining the country’s future and should not remain passive in the democratic process.
He urged students to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards and use their votes to influence decisions affecting their communities and the country.
According to him, civic participation should go beyond political discussions and translate into active engagement with democratic institutions.
Youth Empowerment Linked to Democracy
The NDDC official said the programme was part of a broader commitment to youth empowerment and civic responsibility.
He explained that the Commission’s partnership with Project New Nigeria was designed to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence required to participate in governance.
He said the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly its emphasis on youth empowerment, inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions.
Oritsejolone also said the NDDC was moving towards a development approach that prioritised people, communities and sustainable impact.
Project New Nigeria Calls for Active Participation
The Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Nzidee, also urged the students to recognise the importance of their votes.
Nzidee described the initiative as an attempt to promote a new approach to leadership and citizenship.
He acknowledged the challenges facing students but said young people could influence the direction of society through participation in the electoral process.
He urged eligible students to register and obtain their PVCs, describing voting as an important instrument for demanding accountability and better governance.
Support for 210 Students
The sensitisation programme also included educational support for students.
Project New Nigeria paid tuition fees for 210 students, including 10 persons living with disabilities.
The organisation also distributed electronic tablets to 15 first-year students.
Nzidee commended the NDDC for providing institutional support that helped make the programme possible.
The assistance added an educational and social-support component to the civic engagement campaign.
Beneficiary Appreciates Initiative
One of the beneficiaries, Moses Patrick, a Philosophy student who received an electronic tablet, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and Project New Nigeria.
He said the initiative had provided useful support to students and appealed for similar programmes in the future.
Beyond Voter Registration
The programme reflects growing efforts to encourage young Nigerians to participate more actively in democratic processes.
For the NDDC and Project New Nigeria, voter registration is only one part of that engagement.
The broader objective is to encourage students to understand their civic rights and responsibilities and recognise the role they can play in shaping public policy through democratic participation.
With young people forming a significant part of Nigeria’s population, their participation could have a substantial impact on electoral outcomes and the quality of governance.
The message delivered at UNIUYO was therefore straightforward: eligible students should not only discuss the country’s future but also participate in the processes through which that future is determined.
