Ogbuku rallies Niger Delta students to embrace voter registration, civic responsibility

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students across higher institutions in the Niger Delta to take an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

Ogbuku made the call during the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa.

Represented at the event by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Jeremiah Oritsejolone, the commission’s boss described the PVC, issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, as a critical tool for participation in governance and democratic decision-making.

He emphasised that meaningful change in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape can only occur when young people actively engage in the electoral process.

“The Nigerian youths are the heartbeat of the new Nigeria that we all seek,” he said. “Your energy, brilliance and voice will determine the direction our nation takes. But for that voice to count, you must obtain your PVC.”

Ogbuku explained that voting remains one of the most powerful ways citizens can influence leadership choices, hold elected officials accountable and demand policies that reflect their aspirations.

He described the act of voting as a demonstration of faith in Nigeria’s potential, urging students to see participation in elections not as a routine obligation but as a civic duty with long-term national implications.

The NDDC chief also highlighted ongoing efforts by the commission to strengthen human capital development and youth empowerment across the region, noting that civic engagement forms a key part of sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting programmes that encourage political awareness and participation among young Nigerians, especially as the country prepares for future electoral cycles.
Convener of Project New Nigeria, Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts in deepening democratic culture through voter education.

According to him, the programme is being implemented across universities in the Niger Delta to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and the importance of active participation.

“We are engaging students directly to ensure they understand why collecting their PVCs and voting matters,” Okani said. “We believe this is one of the ways young people can influence governance and, ultimately, the direction of the economy.”

He added that the initiative seeks to build a generation of informed and responsible citizens who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Participants at the event were also sensitised on voter registration procedures, the importance of early participation, and the role of youths in strengthening democratic institutions.

Organisers expressed optimism that sustained engagement with students would translate into higher voter turnout among young Nigerians in future elections.

The campaign comes amid growing calls for increased youth involvement in governance, with stakeholders stressing that Nigeria’s demographic advantage can only be realised if young people move beyond political apathy and actively participate in shaping leadership outcomes.

For the NDDC, the message was clear: development is not only about infrastructure and economic programmes, but also about empowering citizens, especially the youth, to take ownership of the democratic process.