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IJAW PUBLISHERS FORUM BACKS DR. OTUARO’S LEADERSHIP OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME
– Commends Reforms, Transparency, and Focus on Human Capital Development
By: Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), a coalition of professional publishers from across Ijaw land, has thrown their weight behind the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under its current Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro.
At a World Press Conference held on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, the apex Ijaw media body applauded Dr. Otuaro for what it described as a “purposeful, reform-driven and people-centered” administration that has restored confidence in the Amnesty Programme.
Speaking during the briefing, IPF President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, noted that the Forum’s support was based not on sentiment or political correctness, but on verifiable progress and credible leadership
“We are a collection of professional media practitioners whose allegiance is to truth, fairness, and the progress of the Niger Delta. When we commend or defend good leadership, it is because we have seen tangible results,” Ozobo said.
Renewed Focus and Reforms
Since assuming office on March 14, 2024, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Otuaro has reportedly and verifiable so, repositioned the Amnesty Programme towards sustainable peace and development.
The IPF outlined several achievements under his tenure, including the expansion of the PAP scholarship scheme, which has seen over 140 beneficiaries sent abroad for studies in countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The Forum also praised the Administrator’s commitment to transforming the initiative from a stipend-based welfare scheme into a platform for genuine human capital development and empowerment.
“Dr. Otuaro has given the programme a human face, ensuring that it truly serves the people of the Niger Delta,” the statement read.
Additionally, the Forum commended his consistent advocacy for stakeholders inclusion – especially the participation of women in peacebuilding – and his dedication to transparency and accountability in managing the programme’s affairs.
Standing Against Sabotage
While lauding the Administrator’s strides, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum condemned what it described as “coordinated attacks” and “misinformation campaigns” allegedly sponsored by individuals threatened by the ongoing reforms.
The group alleged that certain interests had sought to distract and discredit Otuaro after he refused to yield to financial pressures or open the programme’s resources to “self-serving actors.”
“We ae aware of attempts to frustrate the Administrator’s reforms. However, such tactics will not succeed, because the people have seen the difference his leadership has made,” Ozobo stated.
Call for Support and Collaboration
The IPF called on beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme, niger Delta Communities, civil society organisations, and the media to rally behind Dr. Otuaro and focus on constructive engagement rather than destructive criticism.
The group also urged the federal, state, and local governments to provide the necessary institutional framework to enable the PAP fulfil its core mandate of reintegration, empowerment, and regional security and development.
A Vision for the Future
Reiterating its commitment to truth and responsible journalism, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum affirmed that the region’s progress depends on encouraging capable leadership and rejecting divisive politics.
“Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has shown vision, competence, and dedication. For the Niger Delta to move forward, we must support leaders who are genuinely committed to peace and development,” the Forum concluded.
The statement which was signed by Comrade Ozobo Austin, President of the body, offered goodwill prayers for the IPF, Ijaw Nation, Niger Delta, and the entire country.
– A Landmark Relief for Retirees Across the State
By: Favour Bibaikefie
In a major stride towards fulfilling his people-centered governance promise, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has successfully cleared the longstanding backlog of pensions owed to over 11,000 local government workers and primary school teachers across the state.
The move has been widely hailed as a historic breakthrough in addressing a lingering challenge that has, for years, left many retirees in hardship and uncertainty.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Delta State Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mr. Benjamin Igo described the intervention as a “game-changer,” noting that it has brought renewed hope to thousands of families who had endured financial distress due to unpaid entitlements.
According to Mr. Igo, the governor’s decisive action, underscores his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, especially those who dedicated their productive years to public service. He emphasized that the payment covers arrears accumulated over several years, restoring dignity and stability to the lives of pensioners who had long awaited this lifeline.
“This gesture by Governor Oborevwori is not just a financial relief; it is a moral victory for justice and compassion. The state’s leadership has demonstrated that governance can indeed be about people, empathy, and responsibility,” Mr. Igo said.
The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader effort to ensure transparency, accountability, and social equity in the management of public resources. Analysts have described it as a reflection of the Governor’s “MORE Agenda”- focusing on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Several beneficiaries, in interviews, expressed deep gratitude to the governor and his team, describing the development as timely and life-changing. Many of them recounted years of uncertainty, with some unable to meet basic needs due to the delayed payments.
“This payment is an answered prayer. Governor Oborevwori has shown true leadership by remembering those of us who gave our all for the state,” said Mrs. Ese Akpofure, a retired primary school teacher from Ughelli North.
Observers say the move is likely to have a ripple effect on local economies, as the infusion of funds will stimulate spending and small-scale business activities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where many pensioners reside.
With this milestone, Delta State joins the ranks of only a few Nigerian states that have successfully cleared pension arrears, reaffirming Governor Oborevwori’s resolve to lead a transparent and humane administration.
As the news continues to spread, public confidence in the state government’s reform-driven leadership continues to grow – signifying a new era of trust, relief, and renewed optimism for Delta’s senior citizens.
– Says Move Aims to Empower More Niger Delta Students
By: Favour Bibaikefie – London, United KingdomOctober 26, 2025
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that more indigent Students and communities in the Niger Delta benefit from the PAP scholarship scheme, saying the expansion was designed to deepening access to education and strengthen human capital development across the region.
Dr. Otuaro made this known during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship deployed for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in universities across the United kingdom.
The engagement, convened at the instance of the PAP boss, provided an opportunity for his office and the Scholarship Students to deliberate on their welfare and challenges with the aim of addressing them.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Otuaro explained that his decision to expand the scholarship scheme was informed by his desire to give more poor students access quality education and build a sustainable manpower base for the Niger Delta.
He noted that while the in-country Scholarship deployment stood at 3,800 in 2024/2025 academic year, the figure rose to 3900 in 2025/2026, while foreign Scholarship increased to about 200.
According to him, this growth was made possible by the massive support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“We want the scholarship programme to impact more students and communities in the Niger Delta. That’s why we have expanded it and increased formal education opportunities,” Otuaro said.
He added that the unwavering encouragement of President Bola Tinubu and the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been pivotal to the success of PAP’s education initiatives.
“I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme,” Otuaro said.
“Mr. President and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are very impressed with what we are doing. On your behalf, I would like to, once again, thank His Excellency and the NSA for giving you this life-changing opportunity. We are confident that Mr. President and the NSA will continue to support us.”
Dr. Otuaro urged the beneficiaries to justify the huge investment made by the Federal Government in their education by working hard, maintaining good conduct, and being worthy ambassadors of Nigeria while studying abroad.
“We want you to take this opportunity very seriously so that the government, too, will be encouraged,” he said.
“The knowledge you are receiving in your institutions today is to enable you to plan yourself and prepare for the future. Whatever knowledge you gain can not be taken from you.”
The PAP Administrator further advised the students to be responsible representatives of both Nigeria and the Niger Delta region
“So as PAP scholarship students, we expect responsible and good behaviour from you. The government is investing heavily in you, and you have the obligation to justify the investment. Be agents of change and avoid acts of mischief while in the U.K.,” he cautioned.
Dr. Otuaro concluded by reiterating his determination to expand educational opportunities through the Amnesty Programme, stressing that the initiative remains a critical part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
#IduwiniVoice #PresidentialAmnestyProgramme #DennisOtuaro ##NigerDelta #EducationEmpowerment #RenewedHopeAgenda
By: Daire Perez,
AMASSOMA, Bayelsa State – The Niger Delta University (NDU) is gearing up for what many are already believe to be one of the most ambitious stage productions in its history, as preparations intensity for the premiere of the stage drama, ‘OWEIZIDE’, an original drama written by the renowned playwright and literary scholar, Professor Benedict Binebai.
The announcement, which has set off excitement within the University community and among entertainment enthusiasts, describes the production as nothing short of historic. Facebook post of the astute Professor reads: “COMING SOON – Get ready for the most epic drama of the century to hit the Niger Delta University stage! ‘OWEIZIDE, and it’s going to be a wild ride! Stay tuned for updates on this highly anticipated production.”
Though full details of the storyline are yet to be revealed, sources close to professor and the university’s Department of Theatre Arts hint that ‘OWEIZIDE’ may feature exploration of deep cultural and political themes, woven into Professor Binebai’s signature Poetic style and dramatic flair. The stage performance is expected to feature a mix of students and professional thespians, combining the energy of youth with the discipline of academic Theatre.
Professor Binebai, known for his pioneering contributions to performance scholarship and Niger Delta cultural depth, has written and directed several celebrated plays that highlight the region’s struggles, triumphs, and identity. His works often blend activism, folklore, and Social critique, making each performance both an artistic and intellectual experience.
Campus observers say ‘OWEIZIDE’ could become one of NDU’s defining cultural moments, showcasing the university’s growing 7influence in Theatre arts and creative expression in the Niger Delta.
While no official premiere date has been announced, anticipation continues to build across Bayelsa scene, with students, alumni, and Theatre enthusiasts eagerly awaiting what has been described as a “wild ride” of storytelling and statecraft.
Stay tuned for updates on this highly anticipated event.
(c) IduwiniVoice