News
Presidential Amnesty Programme Sends 98 Cadets for Maritime Skills Training
By Divine Perezide
Delta State, Nigeria — In a major initiative to enhance human capacity development in the Niger Delta, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed 98 delegates to receive specialized training in maritime-related skills. The cadets will participate in a one-month boot camp and refresher course at the Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research in Otomewo, Delta State.
During the launch ceremony, PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro emphasized the importance of this deployment, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy. He noted that investing in manpower is essential for regional and national economic growth and praised the initiative as a step towards creating skilled maritime professionals.
Dr. Otuaro highlighted that this training supports the President’s focus on the blue economy, aiming to maximize opportunities in the maritime sector for national advancement. He urged the cadets to stay disciplined and committed, emphasizing that their successful completion of the program would reflect positively on the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
In a press statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro reinforced the need for trainees to uphold high moral standards. “This deployment is a strategic step under President Tinubu’s administration, which is committed to building human capacity in the maritime industry,” he stated. “We expect the cadets to demonstrate dedication to their studies and conduct themselves as representatives of the Niger Delta community.”
The PAP Administrator further expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the Niger Delta region, while also commending the Joemarine Institute for its expertise and capability in delivering quality training. The institute’s CEO, Akpos Epidei, highlighted Joemarine’s extensive experience, having trained over 10,000 maritime professionals across Nigeria over the past 14 years.
PAP’s Head of Vocational Training, Mr. Lambert Daunemighan, explained that the training curriculum was developed collaboratively by the Presidential Amnesty Office, Joemarine Institute, and consultants from South Side International Resources. He called this deployment a significant achievement, intended to produce high-caliber maritime professionals for Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
Representing the new cadets, Mr. Ebi Jackson expressed appreciation for the chance to gain practical maritime skills and open pathways for future employment in the industry.
Leaders in attendance, including HRM Pere Luke, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh of South Side International Resources, commended Dr. Otuaro’s dedication to continuity within the PAP. They urged the cadets to perform well, underscoring that positive results could inspire further training opportunities for others in the Niger Delta, strengthening the region’s workforce and boosting national development.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.