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OTUARO: SUSTAINING PEACE AND PROGRESS IN THE NIGER DELTA
By Favour Bibaikefie
In March 2024, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to achieving lasting peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta. Departing from tradition, he took a decisive step by appointing Dr. Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). This move marked a clear shift from the usual practice of appointing retired military officers to oversee the agency, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring stability in the region.
Dr. Otuaro’s appointment signaled a new era for the Niger Delta, bringing renewed confidence and hope to stakeholders who had long sought meaningful engagement and development. Unlike his predecessors under President Muhammadu Buhari—Col. Dixon Dikio and Gen. Barry Ndiomu—who operated under the uncertain title of “interim administrators” amidst plans to scrap the agency, Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has been met with widespread optimism.
A native of the Niger Delta with deep-rooted understanding of the region’s struggles and aspirations, Dr. Otuaro requires no introduction to the challenges that led to the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s creation during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration. Known for his passion for peace and sustainable development, Otuaro quickly set the tone for his tenure, declaring his focus on revitalizing the programme to serve its foundational objectives.
Upon assuming office, he emphasized collaboration and stakeholder engagement as the bedrock of his strategy. “I need everyone’s cooperation to take this programme to greatness,” he said, underscoring the need for unity in achieving the President’s vision for the region.
In a display of his commitment to dialogue and transparency, Otuaro embarked on a tour of the six universities partnered with the PAP in Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States between May 7th and 11th, 2024. These institutions—such as Igbinedion University, Benson Idahosa University, and Bayelsa Medical University—host beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship scheme. Otuaro’s personal visits marked a first for the programme’s leadership, reflecting his hands-on approach to addressing student concerns and fostering cooperation.
The momentum continued in June when Otuaro convened a major consultative summit with former agitators and other stakeholders in Warri, Delta State. Themed “Fostering, Consolidating, and Collaborating for Peace, Security, Stability, and Development in the Niger Delta,” the event focused on uniting the region to prevent a relapse into past conflicts that disrupted lives and stunted economic growth.
Recognizing the integral role of women in promoting peace and development, Otuaro expanded his consultations in September, hosting a groundbreaking summit in Warri titled “Niger Delta Women Empowerment: A Panacea for Peace, Stability, and Economic Growth.” Prominent women leaders, including AnnKio Briggs, Ibiba Don-Pedro, and Rosemary Naingba-Oduone, attended the forum, where Otuaro reaffirmed his resolve to include women in key initiatives of the PAP.
Traditional institutions also featured prominently in Otuaro’s engagement strategy. At a conference titled “Working Together for Sustainable Peace, Security, Stability, and Development in the Niger Delta,” respected monarchs from across the region, such as HRM King Justice Tabai of Tuomo Kingdom and HRM King Peremobowei Erebulu of Kabowei Kingdom, pledged their support for President Tinubu’s developmental plans for the Niger Delta under Otuaro’s leadership.
Beyond public engagements, Otuaro held private consultations with political leaders, including Ijaw elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, and federal lawmakers. These efforts were aimed at fostering unity and mobilizing resources for the region’s growth.
True to his priorities, Dr. Otuaro has focused on empowering the Niger Delta’s youth through education, skills acquisition, and vocational training. Between March and December, hundreds of beneficiaries were enrolled in key sectors, including aviation, maritime, and agriculture. Notably, 98 trainees were certified in maritime skills, while 1,700 students received undergraduate scholarships through a transparent process that earned widespread acclaim.
Otuaro’s leadership aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta. His results-oriented approach, characterized by stakeholder inclusion and strategic empowerment, has bolstered confidence that enduring peace and progress in the region are achievable.
Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s tenure is steadily laying a foundation for stability and growth, marking a significant step toward the Niger Delta’s long-awaited transformation. His efforts demonstrate not just a commitment to the President’s vision but also a deep resolve to uplift the people of the region.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
(c) IduwiniVoiceTv
By: Daire Perez
As the third phase national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), I, General Godstime Ogidigba, would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the PAP administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The launch of the second phase of laptop distribution to amnesty scholarship beneficiaries is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the learning and research capabilities of our students. I am proud of the strides his administration has taken to prioritize the welfare of our students, marking a significant shift in the narrative of the PAP program.
Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a positive transformation. For the first time in almost a decade, we are seeing tangible results that reflect the program’s true potential. His commitment to the welfare of our students is commendable, and I am confident that his administration will continue to yield positive outcomes.
As the third phase national chairman, I am delighted to give Dr. Otuaro my full support and backing. His leadership style, which prioritizes listening to the people and addressing their needs, is a breath of fresh air. I believe he is the right person to take the PAP program to greater heights, and I look forward to seeing more positive developments under his administration.
Dr. Otuaro’s efforts have brought the PAP program into the limelight, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His dedication to improving the lives of our students is a testament to his character, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a lasting impact. I wish him all the best in his endeavors and assure him of my unwavering support.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the PAP program. I am confident that under his guidance, the program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and may God bless you for your service.
IduwiniVoice
Commrade Solomon Gbegha, former chairman of Odimodi Community, has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Elder (Capt.) King Joseph Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, the revered king of Ogulagha kingdom, on the occasion of his 20th Coronation Anniversary.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Gbegha congratulated the monarch for his peaceful leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the unity and progress of the Ogulagha kingdom and the Niger Delta region of large.
He further wished the royal father a long, peaceful, and prosperous reign, praying that God continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and good health to leader his people to greater heights.