News
“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria – In a commendable display of appreciation, ‘Gen.’ Dennis Kpaidia, leader of the Tantita Odimodi Unit, has lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and leadership development in the Niger Delta.
This follows the commencement of a three-day day intensive training programme on Peacebuilding, Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
The training, held in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together selected youth and community leaders from various communities across the Iger Delta. The initiative forms part of the reintegration phase of the Amnesty Programme, aimed at equipping key stakeholders with tools for the effective leadership, dialogue, and nonviolent conflict resolution in order to forestall imminent intercommunity crisis.
Speaking to IduwiniVoice, Kpaidia expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Otuaro over what he described as a “visionary leadership style that prioritizes the growth and peaceful coexistence of the region.”He noted that such training sessions are vital in deepening participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics and in strengthening local structures for sustainable peace.
“This training has opened our eyes to new methods of resolving disputes peacefully and building consensus in our communities. I thank Chief Dr. Otuaro for investing in our future of the Niger Delta youth and for giving us the tolls to lead rightly.” Kaidia State.
The peacebuilding programme is expected to continue over the next two days, with sessions facilitated by security and conflict resolution experts, mediators, and development professionals from both civil and military backgrounds.
As the region continues its journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development, initiatives like this stand out as evidence of the evolving impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship.
News
PAP: Amnesty Boss Partners Nigerian Army, Lauches Leadership, Mediation Training for Niger Delta Peacebuilding
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025:
In a decisive step towards enhancing leadership effectiveness and deepening peace efforts in the Niger Delta, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has flagged off a three-day intensive training session in Abuja.
The programme, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), is taking place at the NARC complex in Asokoro and is tailored to empower key stakeholders from the Niger Delta with strategic peacebuilding.
Themed “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, ” the training seeks to develop the knowledge, skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) required for participants to play active roles in conflict management and community-level Mediation. The initiative is expected to strengthen the leadership capacity of participants while promoting sustainable peace and social harmony in the region.
Speaking on the essence of the initiative, officials of the Amnesty Programme noted that the training reflects the renewed focus of Chief Dr. Otuaro’s administration on community empowerment and the the prevention of conflict through dialogue and nonviolent engagement.
“This programme is a vital step in building responsible, proactive leadership within the Niger Delta,” a PAP spokesperson remarked. “It’s about equipping our people not just with skills, but with the mindset to foster peace and drive development.”
The training also underscores the Amnesty Office’s commitment to broadening the scope of post-conflict reintegration efforts beyond economic development by institutionalizing community-driven peace strategies.
Participants included community leaders, youth influences, and stakeholders drawn from various Niger Delta communities who are expected to return home with practical tools to mediate disputes and foster collaboration.
The initiative aligns with PAP’s broader vision to consolidate peace gains and stimulate economic development through a culture of dialogue, leadership accountability, and conflict transformation.
Sponsored:
GbaramatuVoice, a leading award-wining media outlet in the Niger Delta, is set to celebrate a decade of impactful storytelling and journalism with a two-day event to be held on August 27 and 28, 2025, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. This milestone celebration will include a high-profile Public Lecture and the much-anticipated Niger Delta Night of Honour, both designed to highlight the platform’s dedication to advocating for the Niger Delta development, cultural identity, and social justice.
The Public Lecture on Wednesday, August 27, will kick off at 10:30 am and focus on the theme: “Gaps and Silences in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security and Media Dynamics.” This lecture will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, oil and gas industry leaders, international oil companies (IOCs), security experts, diplomats, academics, and media professionals. The goal is to open up an honest dialogue about ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta, specifically around resource control, national integration, environmental justice, and the pivotal role the media plays in these issues.
“We’ve spent ten years covering the stories of oil, conflict, justice, and survival that often go unheard in mainstream narratives,” said the organizers. “This lecture aims to shed light on those silences and bring them to the forefront.”
The Niger Delta Night of Honour, taking place on Thursday, August 28, will follow in the evening, beginning with a red carpet reception at 4:00 pm, and the main ceremony at 5:00 pm. This glamorous event is dedicated to honoring individuals, institutions and cultural figures who have made significant contributions to the progress, peace, and identity of the Niger Delta. The night will feature awards, cultural performances, and special recognitions for those who have shaped the region’s development.
Mr. Jacob Abai, the Publisher and CEO of GbaramatuVoice, emphasized that this anniversary represents more than just a media milestone; it is a reflection of the organization’s purpose-driven journey. “This celebration marks ten years of courage, truth, and culture. We have been a voice, telling stories of resilience and challenging power while inspiring progress in our region,” Mr. Abai stated. “Our mission has always been to amplify the voices of the marginalized and document the rich heritage of the Niger Delta.”
The event will also feature impressive lineup of guest speakers, panelists, award recipients, and entertainers, with further details to be disclosed in the coming weeks. Dignitaries expected to attend include traditional rulers, governors, senators, leaders from oil-producing communities, and key players in diplomacy, civil society, and media development.
Organizers are inviting stakeholders, sponsors, the well-wishers to participate in this historic occasion. For participation, sponsorships, or media partnerships, interested parties can contact 0803 089 1146 or 0814 345 9986, or email info@gbaramatuvoicenews.com
Founded in 2015,GbaramatuVoice has grown into a leading pan-Niger Delta media organization, with a strong presence in print, digital, and television broadcasting. The platform remains committed to bridging the gap between the oil-rich communities of the Niger Delta and the rest of Nigeria, as well as the international community, with a focus on advocacy, cultural identity, and developmental journalism.
Credit: Channels Television of Facebook.