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
BOMADI, DELTA STATE — Prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced at a large gathering held in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised by Delta Ijaw political leaders in honour of the governor.
The event drew thousands of Ijaw indigenes and key figures from across the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Brutu Otuaro, who led the mobilisation efforts alongside other stakeholders.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by Delta State lawmaker Hon. Kenneth Oboro. It was subsequently ratified through a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Also present was Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who commended the Delta State administration for its development-focused approach in Ijaw communities.
In recognition of his contributions, traditional rulers under the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the chieftaincy title “Izonebimiewei”—meaning “the man who does good for the Ijaw people”—on Governor Oborevwori. The monarchs described the honour as a reflection of his infrastructural strides and commitment to the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Kalanama VIII; and several other paramount rulers across Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that significant investments—running into hundreds of billions of naira—had already been made in infrastructure and social development across Ijaw areas.
According to him, the continued support of the Ijaw people would be reciprocated through further projects and political inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Otuaro urged the people to sustain their support for the current administration at the federal level, citing ongoing development initiatives in the Niger Delta. He pointed to key interventions, including large-scale infrastructure projects and strengthened institutional support for regional agencies.
He emphasized that continuity in leadership would consolidate the gains recorded so far, urging members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, explained that the reception was convened as a demonstration of appreciation for the governor’s developmental achievements in Ijaw communities.
The event also witnessed a strong turnout of supporters aligned with the pro-Tinubu campaign structure, further underscoring the growing political momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement marks a significant political statement from the Ijaw bloc in Delta State, signalling early alignment and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.