By Favour Bibaikefie

The Niger Delta is poised for what stakeholders have described as a historic economic transformation following the launch of a $250 billion Blue Economy investment and infrastructure programme aimed at creating more than 2.5 million sustainable jobs across the oil-rich region, The Guardian Nigeria reported.

The initiative, unveiled under the Free2Blue Africa framework, seeks to unlock the vast economic potential of the region’s coastline, wetlands, and marine ecosystems through strategic investments in coastal tourism, fisheries, marine logistics, and clean energy development.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Global Director of the Free2Blue Africa Initiative, Mr. Victor Wilkinson Agih, expressed confidence that the programme would reposition the Niger Delta as a global investment destination. He said, “With the right partnerships, long-term blue impact capital, and incentive-driven ease-of-doing-business frameworks, the Niger Delta can rebuild investor confidence and move beyond the challenges of insecurity and institutional fragility that have slowed development.”

Agih emphasized that the region’s natural assets could serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, noting that blue economy investments have the capacity to convert environmental resources into shared prosperity for local communities.

Also speaking, Regional Coordinator of Free2Blue Niger Delta, Mr. Kabiru Idris Momodu, underscored the importance of grassroots participation, stating, “Our people understand these creeks. We are turning that knowledge into jobs, dignity, and measurable climate action.”

In her remarks, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, described the initiative as a pathway to sustainable development, noting that empowering women and youths would strengthen both environmental stewardship and economic expansion. She said the programme demonstrates how community-led conservation can advance national climate and economic goals simultaneously.

Economic analysts say the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency while restoring degraded ecosystems and creating long-term employment opportunities. The programme is also expected to support national efforts to build a stronger and more resilient maritime economy.

With millions of jobs projected and billions of dollars in investment anticipated, stakeholders believe the Blue Economy initiative could mark the beginning of a new era of economic renewal, environmental sustainability, and shared prosperity for the Niger Delta and its people.

* 32 PAP Scholarship Beneficiaries made  First Class and 134 more made Second-Class Upper Division

By Favour Bibaikefie

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Special  Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro (Ph.D), has expressed profound satisfaction following reports of the big academic wins recorded by Nigerian students under the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Programme in various universities in Nigeria.

Thirty-two students reportedly made first class in different competitive courses while 134 graduated with second-class upper division in various courses of study in the same year.

Among the courses are aeronautical engineering, law, pharmacy, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, software engineering, nursing science, mechanical engineering, architecture, accounting and criminology.

Others are computer science, anatomy, international relations and diplomacy, geography and regional planning, microbiology, public health, information technology, medical laboratory science, estate management and mass communication.

Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro (Ph.D), the PAP Administrator, has described the development as ‘highly commendable’. He said he was proud of their outstanding academic performances, noting that it is a validation of his aadministration’s drive for academic development in the Niger Delta. “This forms part of the success stories in the promotion of human capacity development and peace in the Niger Delta.” He explained.

Otuaro said that they had justified the investment in their education and also made the Federal Government, the PAP Office, their communities and the Niger Delta proud.

The PAP Administrator thanked President Tinubu’s strong support and the effective supervisory role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu towards the programme.

He called on current PAP scholarship beneficiaries in different universities to emulate their predecessors and study hard to maintain the impressive academic record.

In his words; “We are indeed happy with the excellent academic performances of our scholarship students in 2025. The number of beneficiaries, all from the Niger Delta, that made first-class and second-class upper division is very encouraging. We commend all of them for the great feats.

“But these commendable academic achievements indicate that we are focused on the implementation of the PAP mandate for the transformation of the Niger Delta through educational and vocational schemes.

“We express our deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Without his strong support, these impressive academic feats of our scholarship students and all the success stories recorded would not have been achieved.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser for effectively supervising the programme in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the people of the Niger Delta.

“We have a listening father in Mr President who has shown it clearly in his actions that the Niger Delta is on his priority list of development. He has given priority to agencies in the region aside from the ongoing efforts in the construction of the trans-Niger Delta Highway from Lagos to Calabar.

“The people of the Niger Delta are happy with Mr President and what his administration is doing for the region, and will react in due course with the right expression of gratitude.” The statement concluded.

By Derick Peretengboro

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has congratulated Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor on his election as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

Guwor, who serves as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and represents Warri South-West Constituency, was commended for his proven leadership capacity, personal integrity and dedication to public service.

In a congratulatory message signed by IPF President, Austin Ozobo, the forum described the new national responsibility as a clear reflection of the confidence reposed in Guwor by his fellow Speakers across the country.

The forum further stated that his emergence has brought pride to Delta State and the entire Ijaw nation, noting that his record of representation continues to reflect diligence, consistency and accountability in legislative duties.

According to the body, it is optimistic that the new chairman will provide inclusive leadership, promote harmony among state legislatures and contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of democratic governance nationwide.

The congratulatory message reads in part:

**”Dear Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor,

On behalf of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved election as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State House Assemblies of Nigeria. This distinct honour is a testament to your steadfast leadership, sterling character, and the trust your colleagues repose in you.

“Ijaw people take immense pride whenever a son of our soil rises to national prominence and is entrusted with a responsibility of such magnitude. We celebrate not only your achievement but the manner in which you have consistently represented Warri South West, Delta State, and the larger Ijaw nation — with integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to service. Your record proves you to be a reliable and worthy representative of our people.

“As IPF, we remain and will always be joyful and supportive of any Ijaw son who makes the Ijaw nation proud. We are confident that in your new role you will bring the same wisdom, fairness, and dedication that have marked your public service to date, advancing the interests of our legislatures and strengthening democratic governance across the states.

“It is our earnest prayer that God will grant you continued grace, wisdom, and fortitude to discharge this national assignment with excellence and consistency. May your tenure be marked by unity, progress, and the elevation of the standards of legislative leadership in Nigeria.

“Please accept our warmest felicitations and assurances of the Ijaw Publishers Forum’s prayers and support”.**