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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.
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SMEs Empowerment: Tompolo Foundation, Tantita & PEB ICT Granduates Lead Branding Drive in Warri
- By Delta Event Media
Aimed at boost small-scale entrepreneurship in Warri, beneficiaries of the Tompolo Foundation and Tantita Security Services—trained by PEB ICT Services—have officially launched a branding awareness campaign aimed at transforming small businesses in Warri.
This initiative follows the successful completion of a three-month intensive training in Graphic Design, where participants were equipped with essential skills in branding, visual communication, and marketing design. Culminating in a high-impact presentation, the campaign is themed: “Building Strong Brand Identity for Small Business Growth.”
The campaign emphasizes six strategic pillars for business branding success:
Defining brand purpose
Understanding the target audience
Creating a unique visual identity
Developing a consistent brand voice
Maintaining a strong digital presence
Building trust through quality and engagement
Speaking during the launch event, team spokesperson ThankGod Ugedi noted, “We are not just leaving with certificates — we are stepping out with a mission. Our group is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs in Warri with brand identity consultations and awareness strategies that can help them grow and compete.”
The newly trained Graphic Design team extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Tompolo Foundation, Tantita Security Services, and PEB ICT Services, with special acknowledgment to Dr. Paul Bebenimibo and Major Moses for their mentorship and visionary leadership throughout the program.
This campaign marks the beginning of a youth-led movement to reignite business growth in Warri. With branding as their tool and innovation as their drive, these young creatives are positioning themselves as catalysts for economic development in the region.
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Burutu LGA Chairman Hails Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at 62, Celebrates His Visionary Leadership and Impactful Governance
By Peter Ziakegha, June 19, 2025
- Burutu _ The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon.Chief Dr. Julius Takeme, has extended warm felicitations to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday anniversary.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Dr. Takeme described the Governor as “a beacon of visionary leadership, humility, and progressive governance whose transformational strides continue to rekindle the hope of Deltans across all strata.”
The council chairman lauded Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Renewed hope of the M.O.R.E Agenda which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security , which, according to him, has not only reshaped the development landscape of Delta State but has also brought hope and tangible growth to Burutu Local Government and its people.
“At 62, His Excellency stands tall as a statesman with a heart for service, whose administration has delivered impactful projects in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment,” Dr. Takeme stated. “Governor Oborevwori’s leadership has redefined governance in Delta State, bringing government closer to the grassroots and fostering inclusive development.”
The council chairman, particularly commended the Governor for his inclusive style of leadership and his listening ear, noting that the people of Burutu LGA have been key beneficiaries of the Governor’s developmental vision and people-centered policies.
“Today, as we celebrate a man of peace, purpose, and progress, we in Burutu reaffirm our unflinching support for his administration and pray for greater strength, wisdom, and divine grace as he continues to pilot the affairs of our dear state,” Dr. Takeme concluded.
The Chairman further urged Deltans to join hands in supporting the Governor’s drive for sustainable development and unity across all local governments in the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who turns 62 today, has served Delta State with distinction, rising from the grassroots to the highest office in the state, and continues to inspire hope through his pragmatic and people-focused leadership.