15/09/2026
Goldcoast Developmental Foundation Honours Top Law Students at Recognition Ceremony
Yenagoa, Nigeria — September 15, 2026
The Goldcoast Developmental Foundation, in partnership with the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University at its Ovom Campus, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, held a Student Recognition Programme yesterday at the Lecture Block B Hall to celebrate students who distinguished themselves during the last academic session.
The ceremony, presided over by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor G. G. Otuturu, recognised outstanding performance in Commercial Law, Professional Ethics, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
In his welcome address, the Founder and President of the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation, Dr Moses Oruaze Dickson, who also jointly taught the three modules, described the programme as more than an award presentation.
"Today is not just about recognitions for hard work and giving out gifts; it is about telling our students that we see them, we value their efforts, and we believe in their future."
Dr Dickson explained that while the recognitions and gifts included cash gifts, books, pens, and laptops, the deeper purpose was to encourage discipline, consistency, good character, and academic excellence.
"The items presented today are symbols," he said. "They represent the fact that someone noticed the sacrifice, the late nights, the commitment, and the determination it takes to do well."
He also encouraged students who were not among the rewarded recipients not to feel discouraged, reminding them that success is a journey and that every genuine effort matters.
"This is not the end of the road for anyone. It is one moment in an ongoing relationship between the Foundation and the students. There will be more opportunities, more programmes, and more chances to grow."
He charged all students to see the recognition ceremony not as a final destination, but as a checkpoint that should inspire them to remain focused and keep improving.
In his remarks, the Dean, Professor Otuturu, appreciated the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation and Dr. Dickson for supporting the Faculty's efforts to promote academic excellence. He noted that initiatives such as this which is now a growing culture in the faculty strengthen the tradition of hard work and healthy competition among students, while encouraging more lecturers and the Faculty community to continue investing in student development.
He recalled that "not long ago," the best student of the previous academic session was awarded the sum of ₦120,000 by the lecturer for Company Law, and that this year alone, students have enjoyed various encouragements from lecturers, expressed his delight at seeing this spirit of encouragement grow.
"I am very happy that this initiative is now being supported by lecturers at different times. My hope is that more of this will continue, so that we can further boost the learning experience in the Faculty."
In her goodwill message , the Vice President of the Law Students' Union, Miss Princess Etugbo, also expressed appreciation to the Foundation and Faculty management, describing the gesture as a meaningful source of encouragement for students.
Lecturers present took turns to support in handing The Prizes to the students while members of the Law Students' Union Executive Council witnessed the ceremony. Recipients received a range of rewards, including cash gifts, books, and pens.
One of the highlights of the event came during the presentation of the Commercial Law grand prize. Two students emerged with same score as best performers and, in recognition of their exceptional achievement, both students received a laptop each.
At this point, the hall erupted in jubilation at the feat and Dr Dickson declared that a cash prize of 20,000 and a commendation letter from his Law firm Triax Solicitors will also be added to their laptop prize to further encourage them.
The award recipients were announced as follows:
Commercial Law:
Best Student (tie) — Agala, Herbert Douglas & Edevbie Deborah Oghenetejiri (each received a laptop, plus a ₦20,000 cash prize and a commendation letter from Triax Solicitors); First Runner-up — Bafaga Blessing Kareena (₦50,000 and a branded pen)
-Professional Ethics:
Best Student — Dennis Digiton (₦50,000, a commendation letter, and a textbook worth ₦15,000); First Runner-up — Jim Davison Perfect (₦30,000 and a pen)
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Best Student — Tarilate Ebiwalate Gwyneth (₦50,000, a commendation letter, and a textbook worth ₦15,000); First Runner-up — Dawari Thank God Naranie (₦30,000 and a pen)
Beyond the best-performing students and first runners-up, various consolation prizes were given to nine top-performing students in each of the three modules, in recognition of their commendable effort throughout the session.
In total, the Foundation invested ₦396,000 in cash prizes across the three modules, alongside two laptops for the Commercial Law winners — a combined commitment of ₦1,016,000 to the students who earned it. It is a small price, in the end, for the reminder that hard work is seen and rewarded.
Dignitaries also present were Dr. Douye Fiderekumo, Dr. Oyinkare Esther Harrison (representing Dr. Abdullahi Yusuf Abdullahi, Head of the Commercial and Industrial Law Department), Mrs Keriboyegha Stephen Appi and Dr. Maxwell Obesi, who admirably officiated the event.
The event ended with a vote of thanks from one of the top student in Commercial Law, Mr Agala Herbert Douglas, followed by photographs and refreshments.
*Goldcoast Developmental Foundation is a Niger Delta-focused nonprofit organisation founded in 2012.*
