News
Otuaro Pledges Support for Defence Team’s Fight Against Oil Theft
…Confident of Sustained Growth in Oil Production
By Divine Perezide
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has pledged the programme’s support to the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team in their efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, to the PAP office in Abuja on Thursday, Otuaro emphasized the need for collaboration to curb illegal oil bunkering and protect critical oil infrastructure. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the PAP and the monitoring team in addressing oil-related crimes in the region.
In a statement released by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, the PAP leader reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to working closely with the team, aligning with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He highlighted the administration’s priority of tackling regional challenges, especially those threatening national and economic security.
Dr. Otuaro expressed satisfaction with the nation’s oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, attributing the progress to intensified efforts against oil theft. He expressed optimism that the output would continue to grow as security measures improve.
“The PAP’s mission is closely tied to ensuring national and human security in the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated. “We are fully prepared to partner with the monitoring team to eliminate oil theft and related activities in the region. Our mandate under President Tinubu’s leadership includes collaboration for a more secure and productive oil sector.”
He noted that the PAP is actively implementing reintegration programmes, focusing on education, vocational training, and post-training empowerment for former agitators, beneficiaries, and women. Otuaro also stressed the importance of sustained funding to expand the programme’s impact and ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Major General Jimoh, leader of the monitoring team, lauded Otuaro’s efforts in promoting peace in the Niger Delta. He acknowledged the PAP’s role in maintaining stability in the region and emphasized the importance of working with Otuaro, given his deep understanding of the area’s dynamics.
Jimoh said, “Our team has been engaging stakeholders across the Niger Delta. Visiting the PAP Administrator is essential because the programme has been instrumental in fostering peace in the region. His knowledge and guidance are invaluable to our mission.”
He commended the PAP for its dedication to resolving regional issues, noting that its efforts are integral to the ongoing fight against oil theft and ensuring sustainable growth in the oil sector.
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.