The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal advocacy as a critical tool for advancing development in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
the Director, Corporate Affairs noted that the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made this known while declaring open the 2025 edition of the NDDC Moot and Mock Trial Competition for universities in the region. Represented by the Commission’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku emphasized that the NDDC remains dedicated to empowering the youth through educational initiatives.
“The Commission is deeply invested in the development of young minds across the region. Education is a key pillar in our strategy, and we have consistently supported institutions through infrastructural interventions, including the construction of hostels in universities and polytechnics,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, former Attorney-General of Rivers State, Professor Zaccheus Adangor, SAN, described the legal profession as a noble and honourable field. He urged participating students to uphold integrity and moral character in their journey toward legal practice.
“Lawyers must be people of character because society entrusts them with the pursuit of justice. Invest in knowledge, remain open to learning, and follow evolving trends in the legal space,” he advised.
Also speaking, Justice Daketima Gabriel Kio of the Rivers State High Court, who chaired the occasion, commended the NDDC’s leadership under Dr. Ogbuku for its positive contributions to regional development. He noted that the competition serves as a platform for fostering regional integration and grooming future legal professionals.
In his welcome address, the NDDC Acting Director of Legal Services, Sir Victor Arenyeka, highlighted the relevance of the competition. “This initiative is tailored to equip law students with knowledge on issues peculiar to the Niger Delta, such as environmental law, oil and gas, and sustainable development,” he said.
The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, presenting law reports to Abia State University, law Student Dr. Enwere Oguchinalu, during the NDDC annual Moot and Mock trial competition at the Port Harcourt Law School, Rivers State. On the left is the NDDC Ag. Director, Legal Services, Victor O. Arenyeka Esq. Caption:The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, presenting law reports to Abia State University, law Student Dr. Enwere Oguchinalu, during the NDDC annual Moot and Mock trial competition at the Port Harcourt Law School, Rivers State. On the left is the NDDC Ag. Director, Legal Services, Victor O. Arenyeka Esq.
The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Port Harcourt branch, Mr. Emeka Onyeka, lauded the Commission’s sponsorship of the programme, describing it as one of the best investments in youth and legal education.
Twenty law faculties from universities across the Niger Delta participated in this year’s competition. To support their academic growth, the NDDC donated the latest editions of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports to all participating institutions.
