News
Presidential Amnesty Programme Sends 98 Cadets for Maritime Skills Training
By Divine Perezide
Delta State, Nigeria — In a major initiative to enhance human capacity development in the Niger Delta, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed 98 delegates to receive specialized training in maritime-related skills. The cadets will participate in a one-month boot camp and refresher course at the Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research in Otomewo, Delta State.
During the launch ceremony, PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro emphasized the importance of this deployment, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy. He noted that investing in manpower is essential for regional and national economic growth and praised the initiative as a step towards creating skilled maritime professionals.
Dr. Otuaro highlighted that this training supports the President’s focus on the blue economy, aiming to maximize opportunities in the maritime sector for national advancement. He urged the cadets to stay disciplined and committed, emphasizing that their successful completion of the program would reflect positively on the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
In a press statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro reinforced the need for trainees to uphold high moral standards. “This deployment is a strategic step under President Tinubu’s administration, which is committed to building human capacity in the maritime industry,” he stated. “We expect the cadets to demonstrate dedication to their studies and conduct themselves as representatives of the Niger Delta community.”
The PAP Administrator further expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the Niger Delta region, while also commending the Joemarine Institute for its expertise and capability in delivering quality training. The institute’s CEO, Akpos Epidei, highlighted Joemarine’s extensive experience, having trained over 10,000 maritime professionals across Nigeria over the past 14 years.
PAP’s Head of Vocational Training, Mr. Lambert Daunemighan, explained that the training curriculum was developed collaboratively by the Presidential Amnesty Office, Joemarine Institute, and consultants from South Side International Resources. He called this deployment a significant achievement, intended to produce high-caliber maritime professionals for Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
Representing the new cadets, Mr. Ebi Jackson expressed appreciation for the chance to gain practical maritime skills and open pathways for future employment in the industry.
Leaders in attendance, including HRM Pere Luke, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh of South Side International Resources, commended Dr. Otuaro’s dedication to continuity within the PAP. They urged the cadets to perform well, underscoring that positive results could inspire further training opportunities for others in the Niger Delta, strengthening the region’s workforce and boosting national development.
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.