Local News
Otuaro Urges Niger Deltans to Back Tinubu in 2027 as PAP Sends 150 Beneficiaries to UK for Postgraduate Studies
By Derick Peretengboro
ABUJA, August 21, 2026 — The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has called on people of the Niger Delta to massively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing the Federal Government’s interventions in peace, security and human capital development across the region.
Otuaro made the call in Abuja during the pre-departure orientation for 150 Niger Delta beneficiaries selected for postgraduate studies at universities in the United Kingdom.
The latest deployment brings the number of Niger Delta beneficiaries sent abroad for postgraduate programmes by the current PAP administration in 2026 to 243.
According to a statement issued by the PAP through the Administrator’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, the scholarship initiative represents a strategic investment in the education, skills and future leadership of the Niger Delta.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Otuaro said the Federal Government’s commitment to the region had created an environment that enabled the programme to expand its human capital development initiatives.
He therefore appealed to Niger Deltans to reciprocate the administration’s efforts by supporting President Tinubu at the 2027 polls.
Otuaro said the beneficiaries were among the region’s brightest young people and urged them to make effective use of the opportunity by excelling in their respective fields of study.
He noted that 93 beneficiaries had earlier been deployed for offshore postgraduate programmes in January and May 2026, while the latest batch increased the number deployed during the year to 243.
The PAP boss disclosed that approximately 270 beneficiaries are currently studying in universities in the United Kingdom, covering undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes.
The beneficiaries are pursuing programmes in strategic fields, including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science and analytics, law, forensic auditing, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, global public health, and oil and gas engineering.
Otuaro further revealed that the PAP currently has about 8,700 beneficiaries enrolled in educational programmes within Nigeria, while its offshore scholarship beneficiaries include 11 undergraduates, 238 master’s students and 21 PhD candidates.
He added that 57 beneficiaries had completed their programmes, with several graduating with distinctions, while 248 others remain in various stages of training.
According to him, the scholarship scheme is designed not merely to provide academic qualifications but to produce skilled professionals capable of returning to transform their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Otuaro attributed the continued expansion of the educational intervention to President Tinubu’s support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while also acknowledging the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the programme.
He charged the new scholars to remain focused, respect the laws of the United Kingdom and comply with the rules of their respective institutions.
The PAP Administrator also urged them to return to Nigeria after completing their studies and deploy their knowledge and expertise toward the advancement of their communities and the Niger Delta.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Opukeme Gideon, an MSc Cyber Security student at the University of Aberdeen, and Afiyagba Peredisabofa, an MSc Oil and Gas student at Coventry University, expressed appreciation for the scholarship opportunity.
They pledged to remain committed to their studies and justify the confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The event also featured goodwill messages from PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali; Prof. Ben Binebai of Niger Delta University; Niger Delta activist, AnnKio Briggs; Delta State Governor’s Senior Policy Adviser, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; and Ijaw Youth Council President, Dr. Doubra Okotete.
The speakers commended PAP for sustaining and expanding its scholarship interventions, describing the educational programme as a significant investment with the potential to create lasting opportunities for present and future generations of Niger Delta youths.
By: Miracle Orumor
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has stepped up preparations for the upcoming local government elections, unveiling its mayoral candidates and activating a dedicated election war room.
The move signals the party’s determination to mount a strong and coordinated campaign as political parties begin positioning themselves for control of key municipalities.
The MK Party said its selected candidates will spearhead its campaign at the local level, while the newly established war room will coordinate election strategies, monitor campaign activities and mobilise support across targeted areas.
Party leaders expressed confidence that the new campaign structure and mayoral candidates would strengthen the party’s presence and improve its chances at the polls.
With the local government elections approaching, the latest development places the MK Party firmly in campaign mode as it seeks to expand its political influence and challenge rival parties for control at the grassroots level.
By: Miracle Orumor
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers says it is ready to step in and provide emergency assistance following devastating floods in Nepal, as the search continues for six South Africans who remain missing.
The severe flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, has caused widespread destruction across parts of Nepal, leaving communities stranded, damaging infrastructure and complicating ongoing rescue operations.
Gift of the Givers has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the unfolding humanitarian crisis and remains on standby to provide assistance where needed.
Meanwhile, concern is growing over the fate of six South Africans who have yet to be located following the disaster. Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to find those missing despite difficult weather conditions and challenging terrain.
The floods have left several communities facing uncertainty as emergency responders work to reach affected areas and assess the full scale of the destruction.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as rescue operations continue and efforts intensify to locate survivors.
The unfolding disaster once again highlights the growing threat posed by extreme weather events and the devastating impact they can have on vulnerable communities.
By Miracle Orumor
The Kingdom of Tooro in western Uganda has been thrown into mourning following the death of its monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at the age of 34. 🇺🇬👑
King Oyo became king in 1995 at just three years old, following the death of his father, making him the world’s youngest reigning monarch, according to Guinness World Records.
He was officially crowned when he turned 18 in 2010.
The cause of his death has not been officially disclosed. However, Ugandan media reports said the young king had been critically ill and was receiving treatment in the United States.
Despite Uganda being governed by an elected president and parliament, the country maintains several traditional kingdoms that continue to hold strong cultural influence.
King Oyo was the 13th monarch of the Tooro Kingdom, which was established in the early 19th century. He was regarded as a respected leader who championed youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Uganda.
💔 The Tooro Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, described the monarch’s death as an “immeasurable loss” and called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful.
The Buganda Kingdom and Rwenzururu Kingdom have also expressed condolences to the people of Tooro.
⚽ Uganda’s football governing body has meanwhile announced a moment of silence before all football matches until September 4 in honour of King Oyo’s legacy and contribution to the sport.
Although King Oyo was not officially married, the Tooro Kingdom says the continuity of the Crown is assured, with a prince set to succeed him. The identity of the heir will reportedly be revealed according to Tooro traditions and customs.
👑 From becoming king at just 3 years old to leaving the throne at 34, King Oyo’s extraordinary life has come to an end.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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