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PAP: “We Will Carry Our Women Along” – Dr. Otuaro
* Otuaro Pledges Inclusivity for Niger Delta Women at Stakeholders Meeting
By Divine Perezide
Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reaffirmed his commitment to empowering Niger Delta women during a stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday. Acknowledging the vital role women play in ensuring peace and stability in the region, Otuaro extended a hand of fellowship, assuring them of greater inclusion in the ongoing initiatives under PAP.
In his address, Otuaro acknowledged that women were among the earliest and most affected by the Niger Delta struggle, yet they were largely left out when the PAP was initially established. Under his leadership, he promised to rectify this oversight and ensure that women are integral to the programme’s initiatives.
Highlighting the progress made so far, Otuaro revealed that nearly 780 women have been provided educational opportunities, 1,389 have received vocational training, and around 1,000 have been economically empowered. He emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, noting that their involvement is key to fostering peace and building stronger communities in the Niger Delta.
In his speech, Otuaro stated: “Our mothers, you were the first casualties in the Niger Delta struggle. However, under my administration, women will be prioritized in the Amnesty Programme. While much has been done, including sending 780 women to school and training over 1,300, more remains to be achieved. Women’s empowerment is essential to the peace-building process in the region.”
Otuaro encouraged the women to take full advantage of the educational and vocational opportunities available through PAP, reiterating that their contributions are vital to the programme’s success and the region’s development. He also hinted at forthcoming post-training initiatives aimed at further empowering women to participate meaningfully in peace-building efforts.
Niger Delta activist Ms. Ankio Briggs also addressed the gathering, praising Otuaro for engaging women as crucial stakeholders. Briggs, reflecting on her long involvement in the Niger Delta struggle, highlighted the exclusion of many women who made sacrifices during the fight for justice in the region. She emphasized that the peace process in the Niger Delta cannot be complete without recognizing the contributions of women.
Briggs said, “Women have been at the forefront of this struggle, from the days of Camp 5 to the Amnesty era, yet many have been left out of the PAP. It’s vital that the government recognizes women’s role in the peace process, as true peace cannot be achieved without their involvement.”
Chief Vero Tamigbe, speaking on behalf of the women, expressed gratitude to Otuaro for prioritizing women’s voices and for recognizing their crucial role in the peace-building process of the Niger Delta. She lauded the administrator’s efforts in ensuring that women are included in PAP and urged continued collaboration for the region’s development.
Otuaro concluded by reassuring the women that PAP would continue to focus on their inclusion, with upcoming programmes designed to further support their empowerment and foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice