News
Otuaro Commends Tinubu’s Leadership at Nigeria-South Africa Commission Meeting
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership during the recently concluded 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa.
Dr. Otuaro highlighted the President’s ability to provide strategic direction, which facilitated the active involvement of the Nigerian delegation in the high-level bilateral talks. The session, co-chaired by President Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cooperation between the two nations under the BNC framework.
Leading a PAP delegation to the meeting, Otuaro expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the discussions. He noted that the finalized Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), set to be signed by both countries, would open opportunities for collaboration in various economic and political sectors.
He specifically acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts in including the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the agreements, particularly in areas such as education and vocational training for Niger Delta youths. According to Otuaro, this development will advance PAP’s goals of sustainable peace, socio-economic development, and stability in the Niger Delta, aligning with the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“This is a significant milestone for PAP’s initiatives,” Otuaro stated. “The inclusion of training for Niger Delta youths, especially in commercial aviation and other trades, is a major boost for the programme’s implementation.”
The PAP Administrator emphasized that this move reflects President Tinubu’s unwavering support for the Niger Delta and his commitment to the region’s growth and development.
“I applaud His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing quality leadership at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission,” Otuaro said. “The President demonstrated effective leadership capacity as the head of the Nigerian delegation, and, of course, this provided clear directions for the active participation of our country’s delegation in the bilateral negotiations for mutual benefits in the Memorandum of Understanding.
“I am very grateful to His Excellency for the fact that the PAP will benefit from the MoU that Nigeria and South Africa will sign, which will capture education and vocational training of Niger Delta youths in commercial aviation and other trade areas.”
The inclusion of PAP in the agreements, Otuaro added, is a reflection of Tinubu’s vision for sustainable development and his profound regard for the Niger Delta people, Oduma, the
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, stated.
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.