Local News
2027: Otuaro Calls on IYC to Mobilise Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has appealed to the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Otuaro made the call when the newly inaugurated 10th National Executive Council of the IYC, led by its President, Dr Doubra Okotete, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja over the weekend.
According to a statement issued on August 24, 2026, by Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Otuaro described President Tinubu’s re-election as being in the strategic interest of the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta.
He urged the IYC leadership to remain united and actively mobilise support for the President.
“My appeal to the IYC is that nothing should divide us, 2027 is already here. Let us back the President and mobilize for him to win a second term.
“We should not allow anybody to cause division among us or trade us for a new hope. It is within the Ijaw strategic national interest to support the President to secure victory”, he said.
The PAP Administrator also commended the IYC and other stakeholders across the Niger Delta for their continued cooperation with the agency’s peacebuilding initiatives.
He said the support received from stakeholders had been significant in advancing the peace process and implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“Many well-meaning stakeholders of the Niger Delta, including the IYC, are in support of the direction we have taken.
“Their support and cooperation have been massive and encouraging, working together with the Office to sustain peace and stability, and the generations we are preparing for a greater tomorrow in the Niger Delta through huge scholarships opportunities.”
Otuaro attributed some of the criticism against his administration to a few individuals who, according to him, were uncomfortable with the reforms being implemented at the PAP.
He particularly highlighted the expansion of the scholarship programme and the increasing number of beneficiaries being deployed to universities both within Nigeria and overseas.
He disclosed that about 8,700 beneficiaries are currently enrolled in institutions across Nigeria, while more than 270 have been deployed to universities abroad. He added that 93 beneficiaries were deployed in January and May, with another 150 scheduled for deployment in August and September.
The PAP Administrator further stated that President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, were pleased with the agency’s efforts to strengthen sustainable peace in the Niger Delta and expand educational opportunities for beneficiaries.
Otuaro thanked the IYC delegation for the visit and reiterated that maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta requires the collective commitment of stakeholders across the region.
Earlier, IYC President Dr Doubra Okotete said the visit was prompted by what he described as the “unprecedented success in the education and empowerment of Niger Delta youths” recorded by the PAP under Otuaro’s leadership.
Okotete commended the PAP Administrator for what he described as his commitment to the effective and judicious utilisation of the programme’s resources, noting that the initiatives had enabled thousands of young people from the region to access quality education.
The IYC President also expressed the council’s willingness to collaborate with Otuaro and explore additional areas of partnership between the Ijaw Youth Council and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Local News
MK Party Unveils Mayoral Candidates, Activates Election War Room Ahead of Local Polls
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.
Local News
Nepal Floods: Gift of the Givers on Standby as Six South Africans Remain Missing
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.
Local News
SAD NEWS: WORLD’S YOUNGEST REIGNING KING DIES AT 34 IN UGANDA
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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