News
Presidential Amnesty Programme Collaborates with NDRBDA on Food Security Initiative
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA) have announced a partnership aimed at addressing food security in the Niger Delta region through enhanced agricultural activities. This collaborative effort was solidified during a recent visit by NDRBDA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, to the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Abuja.
Dr. Otuaro expressed PAP’s commitment to the initiative, dubbed “Food Security is the Real Security,” highlighting the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate for sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that this project aligns with PAP’s objectives of promoting human capital development, and sustaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta and the broader country.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Dr. Otuaro praised the NDRBDA’s initiative as complementary to PAP’s vocational programs, which include various agricultural and entrepreneurial interventions. He assured that PAP would collaborate with NDRBDA to ensure the project’s success, aiming to boost security and stability in the region.
“We are dedicated to making the President and our citizens proud by ensuring peace and security in the Niger Delta. This initiative will not only protect government assets but also potentially increase oil production, benefiting the nation’s overall wellbeing,” Dr. Otuaro stated.
He also congratulated Prince Amgbare on his appointment, thanking President Bola Tinubu for entrusting a capable Bayelsa State native with this critical role. Dr. Otuaro expressed confidence in Amgbare’s ability to drive the NDRBDA’s objectives, citing his commitment to service and achievement.
Prince Amgbare, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of creating wealth and addressing food security in the Niger Delta through effective inter-agency collaboration. He outlined his leadership’s efforts in establishing a robust structure within the NDRBDA to drive the food security project, and stressed the necessity of PAP’s partnership to achieve these goals.
“We have come to seek your collaboration to ensure food security in our region. By working together under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we can significantly address the food problem and create sustainable development in the Niger Delta,” Amgbare said, while also congratulating Dr. Otuaro on his appointment.
This partnership between PAP and NDRBDA is poised to enhance food security and agricultural productivity in the Niger Delta, fostering peace and stability while addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
By: Divine Perezide
Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, was thrown into tension on Monday following the arrest of a traditional figure amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Tarakiri Clan.
According to information obtained by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, Ebikabowei Samuel, who is known as the Agadagba of Tarakiri Egbesu, was apprehended by security operatives over allegations of impersonating the throne of the Ibenanaowei of Tarakiri Clan, a position currently occupied by His Royal Majesty, Dr Seiyefa Koroye.
The arrest reportedly took place during a coronation-related ceremony in the community. Eyewitnesses said security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while effecting the arrest, leading to panic among residents and guests at the venue.
Sources within the community further disclosed that military personnel have allegedly imposed a curfew in Toru-Orua, restricting movement in and out of the town until further notice, as a precautionary measure to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the Bayelsa State Government regarding the incident or the reported curfew.
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/174WNYZHr4/
The Tarakiri Clan has in recent times been embroiled in leadership disputes, raising concerns among stakeholders over peace and stability in the area. Community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow lawful processes to prevail while authorities address the matter.
News
Otuaro, Eradiri, Media & Policy Leaders Unite as Ijaw Media Conference Seek to Defend Niger Delta Resources
By: Favour Bibaikefie
As environmental degradation deepens and community livelihoods face growing threats, the second edition of the Ijaw Media Conference is being positioned as a strategic platform to redefine accountability, policy engagement and responsible reportage in the Niger Delta.
Organised by the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), the conference will hold on December 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre, Warri, under the theme “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.” The theme reflects increasing concern over pollution, land loss and the long-term sustainability of the region’s land and waterways.
The appointment of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as Chairman of the conference signals a deliberate effort to align media advocacy with policy leadership. Organisers say protecting the Niger Delta requires strong collaboration between government institutions, host communities and a proactive, development-focused media.
In a statement signed by the planning committee chairman, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, and secretary, Tare Magbei, the IPF stressed that the media must rise beyond routine reporting to actively shape public discourse, demand accountability and amplify credible voices on environmental governance.
Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, former Nigerian envoy to Scandinavian countries, will deliver the keynote address, expected to offer global perspectives on sustainable resource management. The lead presentation will be delivered by Engr Udengs Eradiri, former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, who is expected to address governance gaps, environmental justice and the responsibility of leaders and the media.
Legislative backing will be evident with the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, attending as Special Guest of Honour, while leaders from the Ijaw National Congress, Ijaw Youth Council, DESOPADEC, academia, waterways security and the private sector will serve as Guests of Honour.
Traditional institutions will also lend moral authority to the conference, with the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, serving as Royal Father of the Day, and Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of the Niger Delta, as Father of the Day.
The IPF said the conference aims to strengthen investigative journalism, promote responsible environmental reporting and galvanise collective action to protect the Niger Delta, warning that inaction today could mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice