The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Edo office, has rewarded Osamagbe Jegede, a student of Baptist High School, Benin, with cash and educational items for her victory in the Advanced Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (AGEMS) competition.

Jegede, who emerged the overall winner in the competition, was also honoured with an award for academic excellence as AGEMS Best Student of 2025.

Her rewards included laptops, educational tablets, sets of boxes, and an undisclosed amount of money, among others.

The AGEMS competition, organised by the NDDC, was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Celebrating Jegede’s achievement in Benin, the NDDC State Director, Mrs Mercy Babawale, said the competition was designed to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for girls in the region.

Babawale highlighted the commission’s commitment to empowering future female leaders in science and engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable development through innovation and technology.

“This year’s event was part of our programme to commemorate IWD. In this competition, Osamangbe emerged as the best in the entire Niger Delta.
When she was heading to Port Harcourt, I promised to celebrate her if she brought home the cup, and she did. Today, the Edo office of the commission is here to fulfil that promise,” Babawale stated.

She explained that the competition was in three stages, with 10 selected schools from Edo State participating, adding that Jegede secured first place, representing both her school and the state.

“The competition was designed to support and encourage the girl-child to excel in STEM fields. Ten schools from Edo were chosen, and a Computer-Based Test (CBT) was conducted in three stages. Jegede emerged first and proudly went to Port Harcourt to represent her school and Edo State. We celebrate her academic excellence because she made Edo and Baptist High School proud,” Babawale added.

She emphasised that the achievement served as a reminder that women can succeed in science and engineering when they are committed and dedicated.

Babawale also announced that the NDDC office would distribute U-Lesson tablets to deserving students and install solar panels at Baptist High School to enhance the learning environment further.

She appreciated the school management, parent-teacher association, principal, and science teachers who played key roles in preparing Jegede for remarkable success.

He also commended her mother, Mrs Abieyuwa Jegede, for raising her daughter in the way of the Lord, ensuring that she stayed focused on her academic journey.

Babawale restated NDDC’s commitment to fostering the growth and empowerment of young girls in the fields of science and technology in the region.

The Chairman, Governing Board of Baptist High School, Prof. Joel Agbolagba, commended the commission for empowering the girl-child through initiatives like the AGEMS competition.

Agbolagba stressed that excellence was achievable through dedication and hard work, urging the students to remain focused on their academic goals.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Kunle Oladokun, encouraged the students to embrace STEM subjects, stressing that science now rules the world and shapes the future.