News
Otuaro Pledges Support for Defence Team’s Fight Against Oil Theft
…Confident of Sustained Growth in Oil Production
By Divine Perezide
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has pledged the programme’s support to the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team in their efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, to the PAP office in Abuja on Thursday, Otuaro emphasized the need for collaboration to curb illegal oil bunkering and protect critical oil infrastructure. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the PAP and the monitoring team in addressing oil-related crimes in the region.
In a statement released by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, the PAP leader reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to working closely with the team, aligning with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He highlighted the administration’s priority of tackling regional challenges, especially those threatening national and economic security.
Dr. Otuaro expressed satisfaction with the nation’s oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, attributing the progress to intensified efforts against oil theft. He expressed optimism that the output would continue to grow as security measures improve.
“The PAP’s mission is closely tied to ensuring national and human security in the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated. “We are fully prepared to partner with the monitoring team to eliminate oil theft and related activities in the region. Our mandate under President Tinubu’s leadership includes collaboration for a more secure and productive oil sector.”
He noted that the PAP is actively implementing reintegration programmes, focusing on education, vocational training, and post-training empowerment for former agitators, beneficiaries, and women. Otuaro also stressed the importance of sustained funding to expand the programme’s impact and ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Major General Jimoh, leader of the monitoring team, lauded Otuaro’s efforts in promoting peace in the Niger Delta. He acknowledged the PAP’s role in maintaining stability in the region and emphasized the importance of working with Otuaro, given his deep understanding of the area’s dynamics.
Jimoh said, “Our team has been engaging stakeholders across the Niger Delta. Visiting the PAP Administrator is essential because the programme has been instrumental in fostering peace in the region. His knowledge and guidance are invaluable to our mission.”
He commended the PAP for its dedication to resolving regional issues, noting that its efforts are integral to the ongoing fight against oil theft and ensuring sustainable growth in the oil sector.
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.