News
The Fall of a Colossus: PAP Boss Otuaro Pay Glowing Tribute to Pa. Clark
Says Pa Clark’s Contribution to Nation Building Enormous
By Admin
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Clark, who was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a key advocate for the Niger Delta and the South-South region, died at the age of 97 on Monday, February 17, 2025. His passing was officially announced by his immediate family.
Describing the loss as monumental, Otuaro stated that Clark’s contributions to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and other minority groups in the country were unparalleled.
A Towering Political Figure
Otuaro extolled Clark as “a great patriot, nationalist, teacher, lawyer, administrator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics who made immense contributions to the political development and unity of the country.”
He noted that Clark’s public service records, spanning both pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria, were “legendary, and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment and dedication to nation building.”
Mentor and Advocate for Justice
The PAP boss also highlighted Clark’s role as a charismatic leader and mentor under whose guidance major socio-political organizations, such as the Ijaw National Congress (INC), South South Peoples Assembly, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), became “strong leading voices for regional and national cohesion built on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.”
He further described Clark as “a fearless Ijaw man” who was “a tireless and consistent freedom fighter for minority rights and a powerful advocate for true federalism, resource control, environmental justice, economic development, and better living conditions for his people in the Niger Delta.”
A Personal Influence
Reflecting on Clark’s impact on his own life, Otuaro acknowledged that he had personally benefited from the late statesman’s wisdom.
“As a growing young Ijaw man, I learnt and benefitted valuable life-lessons at the feet of the departed elder statesman which had helped me a great deal in my life,” he stated.
He also praised Clark’s remarkable intellect and sharp memory, noting that even in old age, the late leader remained “a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom.”
Condolences and Prayers
Expressing his deep sorrow, Otuaro described Clark as “a warrior-father” and extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the Ijaw nation, and the people of the Niger Delta.
He concluded by praying for God to grant Clark’s soul eternal rest and to comfort his loved ones.
The statement was signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, on February 18, 2025.
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