The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in education across the Niger Delta region through the construction of student hostels, provision of school facilities, and supply of educational equipment to institutions.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during the celebration of World Literacy Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said sustained investment in education was essential to empowering people in the region to become self-reliant and better equipped for sustainable livelihoods.
Represented by the Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, Ogbuku stressed that education and literacy were critical to equipping residents of the Niger Delta with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic development.
He also assured residents that the Commission would continue to sponsor both local and international postgraduate scholarship programmes to enable people in the region to pursue higher levels of education.
According to him, education provides access to numerous opportunities, particularly in the area of digital literacy. He therefore encouraged youths across the Niger Delta to take advantage of emerging opportunities in education and technology to improve their prospects.
Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Literacy in National Development,” a facilitator from the Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Dr Adesina Osho, noted that digital literacy had significantly improved human activities by making information more accessible.
Osho emphasised the need to educate communities across the Niger Delta on the importance of literacy as a tool for development. He also advocated greater investment in digital entrepreneurship, noting that digital skills could create new economic opportunities for individuals and communities.
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He explained that literacy contributes to economic development, social participation and the effective discharge of civic responsibilities. He further urged tertiary institutions to establish continuing education centres where adults could enrol in part-time educational programmes.
The lecturer also called on faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and community groups to support literacy initiatives through educational programmes and scholarships as part of their corporate social responsibility.
According to Osho, education begins at home. He encouraged parents to cultivate reading habits among their children, promote curiosity, provide access to books and other educational materials, and collaborate with other parents to share educational opportunities.
Also speaking, the Director of the Academic Planning Unit at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Kinanee, identified several dimensions of literacy, including traditional literacy, environmental literacy, numeracy, cultural literacy, critical literacy, functional literacy, media and information literacy, financial literacy, digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” Kinanee stressed that literacy must be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
He highlighted the importance of environmental literacy, particularly because of its impact on human health and well-being. Citing UNESCO reports, he noted that about 739 million people globally lack basic literacy skills, while four out of every ten children do not attain minimum reading proficiency.
Kinanee commended the NDDC for its contributions to improving literacy and education in the Niger Delta and called for continued investment in learning opportunities, particularly through digital platforms.
He urged people across the region to embrace continuous learning and make effective use of the opportunities provided by digital education, stressing that such opportunities should not be allowed to pass them by.
