By: Divine Perezide

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025–2026 academic year, as part of its drive to build a knowledge-based workforce for the Niger Delta.

The scholars will pursue post-graduate studies in specialised and industry-relevant fields such as data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others. PAP officials confirmed that more foreign post-graduate scholars will also be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

In December 2025, nine students—the first set of offshore post-graduate scholars approved by the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024–2025 academic year—successfully graduated from various UK institutions.

Since assuming office in March 2024, Otuaro has facilitated the deployment of over 9,000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria to study “different industry-relevant programmes,” reflecting a scale of intervention not previously seen in the programme’s history.

Speaking during a pre-departure orientation for the beneficiaries at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Otuaro said the large-scale deployment was designed to make the Niger Delta a “knowledge-driven region.” He added that his administration “reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery… based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.”

“We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom,” he stated, noting that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms currently reshaping the PAP. According to him, “The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.”

He further stressed that the intention is to “develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country,” adding that the students are “expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

Represented by his Technical Assistant, Mr. Edgar Biu, the PAP Administrator urged the scholars to work hard and excel academically, noting that they must justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education. He warned that beneficiaries should not take such opportunities for granted “in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.”

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme,” particularly the approval of an upward review of the PAP budget from N65 billion to N150 billion. He also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his “impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.”

The PAP boss cautioned the scholars to obey the laws of their host country as well as the academic regulations of their respective institutions, stressing that they are representatives of Nigeria, the Niger Delta, their communities and families.

A highlight of the orientation was the presentation of laptops to the departing scholars to support their academic research and coursework.

The statement was signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, dated 8 January 2026.

By: Favour Bibaikefie

Abuja – Nigeria President, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), has on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Daily Observer reported.

The brief but very important ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the nation’s Electoral Umpire.

Iduwunivoice recall the Professor Amupitan’s swearing in followed his recent confirmation by the Senate earlier in the week, after a rigorous screening process. The legal scholar, known for his expertise in constitutional and electoral law, succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure came to an end earlier this month.

In his remarks during the ceremony, President Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to uphold transparency, fairness, and integrity in the conduct of elections across the country. He emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy rests largely on the impartiality and efficiency of the electoral commission.

“The responsibility before you is enormous,” Tinubu was quoted as saying

“You must work to strengthen public confidence in our electoral system and ensure that every vote truly counts.”

Professor Amupitan, in his brief response, expressed gratitude to the President and the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to discharge his duties with honesty, diligence, and a commitment to strengthening the democratic institutions.

Political observers however, have lauded Amupitan’s appointment, describing him as a reasoned academic and respected legal mind capable of steering the commission towards greater independence and credibility.

With the next round of major elections approaching in several states, expectations are high that the new INEC leadership will build on existing reforms and address challenges that have long plagued the Nigeria’s electoral process.

(c) IduwiniVoice

By: Favour Bibaikefie

Leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide paid a Courtesy Visit to Ghana’s Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry in Accra, Ghana. The visit reportedly happened on September 1, 2025 – where members of the Ijaw community in Ghana, paid a courtesy call on the Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry to strengthen cultural ties and officially introduce their presence in the country.

Led by representatives of the Ijaw Diaspora in Ghana, the delegation announced the upcoming visit of the INC Worldwide President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, and shared their intention to formally register the Ijaw National Congress as a socio-cultural organization in Ghana.

The group emphasized the historical and cultural connections between the Ijaw people, primarily located along the Niger Delta in Nigeria, and coastal communities in Ghana. Their aim, they noted, is to promote mutual cultural understanding, engage with key institutions, and contribute positively to the Ghanaian socio-cultural space.

Receiving the delegation, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts warmly welcomed the group to Ghana, expressing optimism about the growing cultural engagement between the two nations. He noted the similarities between the Ijaw and certain coastal Ghanaian ethnic groups, such as the Ga and ewe people, and commended the delegation for highlighting these shared cultural traits.

Hon. Jajah also reassured the group of Ghana’s hospitality and peaceful environment, while advising that due diligence will be maintained by security agencies to ensure that all civic activities are aligned with national interests. He cautioned against any form of criminality or misrepresentation that could damage the Congress’s reputation, or the harmony Ghana enjoys.

“It’s refreshing to learn that your West African regional office will be based here in Ghana. We welcome this development, and we are happy to live in peace with all our brothers and sisters from the region,” Hon. Jajah said.

He further emphasized the importance of unity, peaceful co-existence, and lawful operations, encouraging the Ijaw community to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s multicultural society.

Supporting the Deputy Minister to receive the delegation were Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Jeoffrey Tamakloe, Director of Tourism and Mrs. Efua Kouguah Houadjeto, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku – PR- Unit -MoTC