By; GCON Media Team
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, delivered a landmark human capital investment on Friday, June 19, 2026, as it partnered with Tamara’s Charity Foundation to host the “Future Now – Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child” celebration at Vienna Arena Event Centre, Boji-Boji, Agbor.
The event brought together hundreds of children from across Delta State and the wider Niger Delta for a day of learning, mentorship, talent showcase, and free health checks. It underscored NDDC’s renewed focus under Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board, that sustainable development must begin with the child.
“Infrastructure without inclusion is incomplete,” the Commission affirmed through its delegation. Roads and bridges matter, but so do classrooms, confidence, and compassion. That philosophy shaped every segment of “Future Now”.
Representing NDDC Headquarters were Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, Director, Social Services, and Mr. Atirene Etan, Assistant Director, Community Relations Department. From the Delta State Office, Mr. Irene Emawodia, Deputy Director, Education, Health and Social Services, joined the team. Their participation signaled that “Future Now” is not a peripheral program, but a core expression of NDDC’s mandate to invest in people as deliberately as it invests in projects.
Children engaged directly with accomplished leaders and professionals in education, health, technology, arts, and public service. Talent showcases featuring spoken word, music, dance, and innovation displays proved that brilliance in the Niger Delta is not limited by geography or circumstance. Educational support materials were distributed, while free health and wellness checks prioritized the children’s physical wellbeing alongside their aspirations.
Mr. Ebie was represented by his Special Assistant, Hon. John Aleh, who charged the children to reject cultism, drug abuse, and all vices that derail destiny.
“Your future is now. NDDC believes in you. Stay focused in school, respect your parents and teachers, and refuse any path that will cut your dreams short. Delta needs your brains, your talents, and your good character to build the next generation. The Commission is investing in you because you are the reason we are here,” Hon. Aleh told the excited audience.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Ebie described the children as the true assets of the Niger Delta and restated the Commission’s commitment to human capital development. “When we invest in every child, regardless of background, gender, religion, or physical ability, we are investing in peace, prosperity, and the sustainable future of our region,” he stated. He further noted that the Commission’s approach aligns with the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure no child is left behind.
Tamara’s Charity Foundation, co-host of the event, commended NDDC’s vision and execution. Chioma Ogorchukwu, speaking for the Foundation, said inclusion was practiced in real time as children with disabilities performed alongside their peers and children from rural communities spoke boldly about becoming doctors, engineers, and leaders.
Parents and teachers at the venue described the celebration as timely, practical, and hope-restoring. For many families, the event shifted the conversation from what the government should do, to what children can become when given the right platform.
As “Future Now” closed, the message was clear: every child’s dream is valid and every child’s future is now. NDDC, under Mr. Chiedu Ebie’s commitment to human capital development, has shown that when institutions and communities commit to children, the Niger Delta moves forward together.