The Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Dr Samuel Ogbuku says the Commission is always interested in the empowerment of the people of Niger Delta region to make them self reliant.
Dr. Ogbuku who made this known during World Literacy Day celebration in Port Harcourt Rivers State, explained that the commission has invested and would continue to invest in the education including, building of Hostels, schools, donation of equipment and literary materials.
The MD who was represented by Director Education, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, noted that with education and literacy, the people of the region would be equipped to contribute to the economic growth of Niger Delta.
According to the Managing Director, the commission would continue to sponsor Foreign and Domestic post graduate scholarship programmes to ensure that the people of the region advance in their academic journey.
The Managing Director stated that education opens doors to various opportunities, especially digital literacy.
A facilitator from the Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Dr. Adesina Osho who spoke on
‘The role of literacy in National Development’ explained that digital literacy has improved human activities and made information available within a short time.
He emphasized the need to educate communities in all Niger Delta and residents the importance of literacy.
Dr. Osho insisted on the need for digital entrepreneurship saying that digital skills opens such opportunities.
The facilitator maintained that literacy helps in economic development, social activities, civic responsibilities, among others.
He enjoined tertiary institutions to establish centers for continuing education, where adults could enroll for part time educational programmes.
Dr. Osho equally called for support from faith based organizations, NGOs and communities to support literacy through programmes and scholarship as Corporate Social responsibilities.
The facilitator who asserted that education begins at home asked parents to create reading culture at home, encourage curiosity among children, provide access to books cum educational materials, as well as share opportunities with other parents.
On his part, Director Academic Planning Unit, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Kinanee,
identified dimensions of literacy to include traditional literacy, environmental literacy, Numeracy, cultural literacy, critical literacy, functional literacy, media cum information literacy, financial, digital literacy and Artificial intelligence, AI literacy.
Speaking about the theme which centered on ‘Literacy for People, the Planet and prosperity’ Professor Kinanee insisted that literacy should be all inclusive, targeting every person despite gender and disposition.
He stated that environmental literacy should be taken seriously considering the impact on human health.
He revealed that about 739 million people lack basic literacy according to UNESCO reports, while four out of every ten children do not meet minimum reading proficiency .
The Academic acknowledged that NDDC has contributed immensely to literacy level in Niger Delta region.
Professor Joseph Kinanee encouraged continuous learning through digital platforms.
